The City Council unanimously voted on Monday evening to put a measure on the March 3, 2020 ballot that would overturn the City’s ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products in Livermore. The Sept. 9 decision came after the council “reluctantly” certified the referendum that challenges the c…
Students see a way to potentially shrink the Pleasanton Unified School District’s carbon footprint and save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year by using technology.
Zone 7 Water Agency directors have urged CEMEX to provide more transparency for the public. CEMEX is in the process of filing changes to its reclamation plan for its gravel pits next to southwest Livermore.
September’s Livermore Indivisible Voter Engagement Series features speaker, Helen Hutchison, Interim Exec. Director, and Past President of the California League of Women Voters (LWV). The topic - "An introduction to the Schools & Communities First ballot measure: what it is, where it cam…
As the Tri-Valley continues its ascendance as a technology and innovation powerhouse, Lenny Mendonca, the Governor's Chief Economic and Business Advisor, will serve as the keynote speaker at a lunch, inspiring new ideas about housing, inclusion, and how to sustain economic growth in the future.
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After more than 1,430 people signed an online petition calling for better lighting and signs near a crosswalk where a Livermore woman was killed last month, the city is looking into adding pedestrian safety to a study and speeding results along.
Alan Thompson was part of a disaster-recovery team dispatched to Butte County last November to help restore cell phone service destroyed by the deadly Camp Fire.
New rules have been put in place to help stop crime at seedy massage establishments, such as sex slavery or human trafficking, according to a city memo.
Andrew McIlroy, a chemist and manager with extensive experience in defense, energy and environmental programs, was named head of Sandia National Laboratory’s Livermore site last week.
Livermore High School is participating in the country’s expanded teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) pilot program for the 2019-20 school year. This year, more than 460 sophomores will be trained using the first training of its kind developed for U.S. high school students.
As the Tri-Valley continues its ascendance as a technology and innovation powerhouse, Lenny Mendonca, the Governor's Chief Economic and Business Advisor, will serve as the keynote speaker at a lunch, inspiring new ideas about housing, inclusion, and how to sustain economic growth in the future.
Disasters can come out of nowhere, suddenly change course, and accelerate with unexpected ferocity.
Congressman Eric Swalwell shared strategies for confronting climate change with students during the first Youth Environmental Action Summit of the Tri-Valley on Sept. 7 in Pleasanton.
Coastal Cleanup Day is on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 9 a.m. All are welcome to be part of the solution and join tens of thousands of fellow volunteers to help remove trash from California beaches and inland waterways.
The City of Dublin and StopWaste invite residents to a free home energy workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Dublin Library. Attendees will learn about energy efficiency rebate programs and how to zero out their energy bill. Offering information will be East Bay Community …
Nitrate is a troublesome groundwater contaminant that is mainly caused by fertilizer runoff on farmlands. Many wells in agricultural regions exceed the EPA limit for nitrate in drinking water, and without an economical treatment option, the water is unfit for potable use.
The city of Dublin recently honored the contributions of American Muslims in California and the United States.
A new editing team has been appointed following the death of Janet Armantrout, The Independent’s editor since 1989. She worked until the week before she died on Aug. 24. She was a determined force, yet gentle interacting with the public.
Livermore Democrat Evan Branning is suspending his campaign for state Senate. He said his decision would not stop his work to secure benefits for the communities in California's 16th State Assembly District, which includes the Tri-Valley and suburbs east of the Berkeley Hills.
To the surprise of many observers, the state Assembly Appropriations Committee didn't vote last week on a bill that would allow the sold. Lawmakers left Senate Bill 767 to be considered when the legislature reconvenes in January.
Neighbors around Jack Williams Park in Livermore were left worried and wondering after federal authorities raided a home on the 1100 block of Catalina Drive on Aug. 20.
A $147 million project to build a new stretch of road between Dublin and Livermore is moving forward.
When Beth and Matt Corbeau’s 2-year-old son, Jackson, was running a high fever two years ago, they took him to an urgent care center where he was diagnosed with an ear infection and prescribed antibiotics.
A Livermore group has turned in 10,203 signatures so that voters can decide whether to overturn the city’s development agreement with Presidio Companies to build a hotel on the east side of Livermore Avenue.
The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) announced the launch of the new Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) Saturday Service beginning Sept. 7, 2019.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting grant applications for its Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) Program and its Proactive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Solutions Program, administered by the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA).
Dublin resident, lawyer and former Assemblymember Catharine Baker has joined the Board of Directors for the Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF), effective August 26, 2019.
According to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory physicist Jeff Parker, who co-authored a research paper appearing in the Aug. 27 edition of Physical Review Fluids, there’s a reason why Jupiter’s stripes are only skin deep.
Las Positas College presents its annual 9/11 Remembrance event on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m.
Until recently, the analysis and identification of nuclear fuel pellets in nuclear forensics investigations have been mainly focused on macroscopic characteristics, such as fuel pellet dimensions, uranium enrichment and other reactor-specific features.
With the support of the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC), Arthur L. Dao, executive director and chief executive officer of the organization, will retire in December 2019, after more than 33 years in the transportation industry. Dao’s career has included infrastructure d…
Cutting-edge management of concussions, which are more common than often appreciated and can endanger both young and old, will be the topic of a presentation at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
The Pleasanton City Council approved the first update of the city’s Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) in more than a decade on a 4-0 vote on Aug. 20.
United States Representative Eric Swalwell gave two back-to-back talks in Livermore last week, speaking at the Rotary Club of Livermore meeting on August 21, and at the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce Wine Country Luncheon on August 22.
The Tri-Valley Citizens’ Climate Lobby on Aug. 20 talked about how people can have an impact on national policies and priorities through advocacy.
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Janet Armantrout, the Independent’s editor for more than 30 years, died Saturday of complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. She was 77.
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The Livermore City Council last Monday evening unanimously voted to put the Central Park Plan Initiative on the Nov. 3, 2020 ballot. The Initiative would change the city’s Approved Plan for downtown revitalization.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week honored Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Western Laboratory in Pleasanton for cost and energy-saving programs that reduced taxpayer costs and saved energy and resources.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory last week named Linton Brooks, former administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, winner of the John S. Foster medal.
Alameda County will convene an in-person meeting of the Alameda County Wind Repowering Avian Protection Technical Advisory Committee (WRAP TAC) on Thursday, September 19, at 9:30 a.m. This meeting is intended to receive a presentation, on behalf of sPower (Sustainable Power Resources) on its…
On Monday, August 26, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry hosted an AI Roundtable on DOE-fueled Artificial Intelligence at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He was joined by a wide array of leaders from the government, private sector and academic communities to discuss the importance o…
On August 27, 2019, at about 2:30 p.m., officers were called to 4825 Hopyard Road to investigate a suspicious-looking suitcase. A locked suitcase was found chained near a gas line for several days. When a maintenance employee cut the chain to remove the suitcase, he heard a strange mechanica…
On August 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized federal facilities for conserving resources and saving taxpayers’ money as part of the Federal Green Challenge, a national effort under the EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program, which encourages federal agencie…
The Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance (TVNPA) is hosting a fundraising dinner to celebrate the organization’s five year anniversary. The event takes place Thursday, September 12, from 6-10 p.m., at the Blue Agave Club, 625 Main Street in Pleasanton.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory last week celebrated the 40th anniversary of a computer center that can forecast the path and destination of airborne pollutants.
The Pleasanton Unified School District trustees have unanimously approved steps to sell more bonds from Measure I1, a $270 million bond issue authorized by voters in the November 2016 election.
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A highly-anticipated report evaluating the effects of a downtown initiative measure is likely to spur a lively City Council meeting Monday evening. Two groups of concerned Livermore residents are expected to rally in support of the downtown revitalization plan they favor — which each side co…
To Hugh Gregg, it was a “fantastic” ending to a scientific career.
The Pleasanton Unified School District ranks 11th in California, according to a survey by Niche.com.
A proposed law that could end a long dispute about controversial plans to expand the motorcycle and off-road recreational park southeast of Livermore is making its way through the legislature.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) welcomed Marybel Batjer as President following her oath of office ceremony on August 16. Governor Gavin Newsom announced Batjer’s appointment on July 12.
The 154th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games takes place Labor Day weekend, August 31-September 1, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
The Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance (TVNPA) is offering a sexual harassment prevention seminar on Thursday, August 29, 8:30-11:15 a.m., at Hively, 6100 Owens Drive in Pleasanton.
Mayors from across the state called for the California Legislature to move AB 18 by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D–Marin County) before the adjournment of the Legislature next month.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District released a press release last week supporting the state’s lawsuit against Trump’s plan to gut restrictions to the 2015 Clean Power Plan.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility celebrated its 10th anniversary of operations this week as the world’s largest and most energetic laser.
When Pleasanton Heritage Association officials put a plaque on a historic house on Second Street several weeks ago as part of a ceremony celebrating its preservation, they were shocked to see a vacant lot next door.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory this week took a formal step toward a long promised era of ultra-high-performance computing, signing a $600 million contract with Cray, the Seattle-based computer company, to deliver an “exascale” computer in late 2022.
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In partnership with Cal State-East Bay, the Livermore Lab Foundation has awarded computer science student Alan Noun a one-year scholarship, internship and mentorship opportunity at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has announced its opposition to AB 51 (Gonzalez; D-San Diego), which would prevent arbitration of labor and employment claims as a condition of employment, stating the bill will subject businesses to significantly increased costs as a result of more litigation …
The Board of Education of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) has approved new school site leadership at high schools and middle schools in preparation for the 2019-20 school year. Kelly Bowers, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools said, “Our district is ever-changing and…
Livermore Police are asking for information after two fatal shootings in the city this summer. Officers arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting last week in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Las Positas Road. They are still looking for a suspect who was involved in another deadly sh…
Since Gov. Gavin Newsom scrapped former Gov. Jerry Brown’s twin tunnels plan earlier this year and reduced it to a single tunnel, the state is starting to work out the nuts and bolts of the new approach.
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Sixteen-year-old Angela Traugott understands the nature of change.
Twenty-seven students from secondary schools across the East Bay and Central Valley attended Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s first manufacturing workshop for high school students, July 9-11.
SB 767, a measure that would allow the state to sell the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area for conservation purposes, faces its last committee hurdle.
A mathematician from Sandia National Laboratory’s Livermore site won a prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Several people scolded elected leaders at City Hall on July 29 about comments made during the past few Livermore City Council meetings.
Livermore is launching a pilot program to help reduce homelessness.
Dublin Unified School District officials broke ground for the Dublin High Engineering and Science Building, a move to further development of STEM programs.
The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District is considering improving access to its meetings.
Water shortfalls are expected to become more frequent in the next 20 years, Tri-Valley Water Liaison Committee members heard during their July 24 meeting.
On Sunday, September 22, Niles Canyon Road will close to allow full access to hikers, runners and bicyclists in the 3rd Niles Canyon Stroll and Roll. Automobiles will be barred from a stretch of Niles Canyon Road, between Mission Boulevard in Fremont and Main Street in Sunol, from 7 a.m. to …
Over 225 people attended a private garden party at the Alameda County Fair on June 28 to launch the Alameda County Fair Foundation, a 501 c (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to raise funds for capital projects and educational youth programs on the fairgrounds.
Smoked pigs ears, a popular treat for dogs, may be carrying drug-resistant salmonella bacteria and should be considered unsafe for both dogs and their owners, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.
Hope Hospice is offering its Family Caregiver Education Series at no cost to residents in the Tri-Valley and East Bay communities. The 14-class series covers a variety of topics and provides training, education, support, and resources relevant to family caregivers. Individuals anticipating b…
For the 23rd consecutive year, the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) has earned the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence Award in Financial Reporting. This award was received for LAVTA’s excellence in financial reporting in their 2018 Comprehensive Annual Fin…
Livermore Indivisible, as part of their Civic Engagement Series, will host a special presentation by Cheryl Cook-Kallio about the separation of powers under the United States Constitution. Learn about the origins of the idea of checks and balances, how the Constitution's framers viewed its r…
Students from around the Tri-Valley are partnering with the Go Green Initiative and the Citizens Climate Lobby to host a summit that empowers young people to take action against climate change.
Livermore’s mayor, a council member, city staff and citizens have discussed recently whether a hotel developer would step up to develop a hotel on the westside of Livermore Avenue. If the Central Park initiative and related referendum passed, a westside hotel developer would be necessary.
The Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce Keynote speaker Micah Weinberg, Ph.D., who also spoke at a Chamber luncheon last year, addressed the State of the Economy, stressing the need for connectivity between California’s diverse regions.
Homelessness in Alameda County has increased by 43% over the past two years, according to data gathered by volunteers on Jan. 31 in the county.
The organization, Protect the Central Park Vote, announced a referendum drive to challenge the July 29, 2019 City Council ordinance approving a development agreement with 2205 Railroad Ave LLC (aka Presidio) for a hotel located on the east side of Livermore Avenue.
An ordinance approving a Development Agreement (DA) with Presidio Co., a hotel development company, to build a downtown hotel on the eastside of Livermore Avenue was unanimously approved at the July 29 Livermore City Council meeting.
Resolutions authorizing staff to proceed with the negotiation of terms for Development Agreements with Red Bear Property Management, Livermore Science and Society Center, Eden Housing and Shakespeare’s Associates were approved by the Livermore City Council at its July 23 meeting, continued f…
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On July 30, a rally against big tobacco was held at Livermore Flagpole Plaza to support the June 24 Livermore City Council Tobacco Retail Ordinance. The ordinance establishes a city-wide ban on the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including electronic devices and any fluids that can be…
A genetic future that is at once both extremely promising and extremely dangerous is already starting to unfold, according to a futurist who spoke last week at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater.
Subsidized rents are rising another 7% this year in Alameda County, the third consecutive year they have increased.
Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Chairman of the Intelligence Modernization and Readiness Subcommittee, succeeded in including measures on education, parental leave, and Russian influence campaigns in this year’s bipartisan Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA), which the House approved on a 397-31 vote.
Gerry Beaudin, Pleasanton’s community development director, has been appointed to serve as assistant city manager for the city of Alameda. During Gerry’s four years of service with Pleasanton, he has led numerous community projects, including updating the Downtown Specific Plan, construction…
At the July 23 Livermore City Council meeting, a letter to the State Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee supporting SB 47 was unanimously approved. The measure requires individuals who are asked to sign state or local initiatives, referendums or recall petitions to be provided wit…
Four scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have been selected for the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Science and Engineering (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on scientists and engineers who are early in their career…
The Alameda County Fair is dedicated to serving those in the Tri-Valley and beyond.
Gregg Cox, who has served with the FBI since 1991, has been named the new Security Organization Director for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Lab Director Bill Goldstein made the announcement on July 25, and the position is effective Sept. 3.
The Dublin City Council took a close look at a proposal for a 138-room hotel catering to the Millennial business traveler, which the developer termed “cool and hip.”
Despite risks to fetuses and infants, increasing numbers of women appear to be using marijuana in the year before they become pregnant as well as early in their pregnancy, according to a Kaiser-Permanente study published last week.
Cities have been meeting with the Alameda County Emergency Response office, and will be communicating with each other about problems that the PG&E Public Safety Power Shutdowns would cause in the Valley.
Both the higher and lower readings from blood pressure measurements are strongly and independently linked to cardiovascular health, according to Kaiser-Permanente researchers, who published a major study on the subject.
On July 13, members of the Tri-Valley Citizens’ Climate Lobby watched an online video illustrating the abilities of En-ROADS, a powerful climate-simulation tool showing how climate goals can be achieved through changes in energy, land use, consumption, agriculture, and other policies.
On July 16, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors unanimously approved Resolution 2019-07-187, calling for an immediate ban on glyphosate use in picnic areas with full elimination in all developed park areas by the end of 2020. Glyphosate is currently used as part of the Par…
The Pleasanton City Council revised its positions taken on state legislation.
The impacts of climate change on water use and how the state can address them represent a significant change in the new 5-year update of the California Water Plan.
At the July 22 Livermore City Council meeting, the council voted unanimously to direct staff to file a Notice of Determination to introduce an ordinance authorizing execution of a development agreement with Presidio Co. to build a downtown hotel on the eastside of Livermore Avenue.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Veterans Way, the new east/west street in downtown Livermore, will be held on Sunday, July 28, at 9:30 a.m. It will take place on S. Livermore Ave., between Railroad Ave. and First St.
Construction of the bridge to connect a popular trail in Sycamore Grove Park officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, July 22nd. The bridge is the final step to permanently connect a 44-mile trail through five parks from Livermore to Fremont. A multi-year, multi-agency proj…
