Larry Altman

1 month ago | independentnews.com | Larry Altman

LIVERMORE — In a move the mayor called “quite remarkable,” the City Council on Monday took the unusual step of decreasing rates residents and business operators pay for trash collection. With a unanimous vote, the council reduced trash fees for residential and commercial pickup by 8.67%, while cautioning that rates could go back up again next year. “Just want to reiterate that the City of Livermore is proposing a decrease of 8.67%,” Mayor John Marchand said before the vote.

1 month ago | independentnews.com | Larry Altman

LIVERMORE — The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on May 8 unanimously approved changes to the South Livermore Valley Area Plan (SLVAP) that proponents believe will help entice businesses to the region and turn it into a wine-tourism destination. The 5-0 vote added language to the SLVAP that specifies the allowable commercial uses for 150,000 square feet of floor area, most of which will be built along a future sewer line approved by Livermore voters in November 2022.

1 month ago | independentnews.com | Larry Altman

DUBLIN — A former Dublin knife-store owner has sued the city’s police force, alleging officers illegally seized his $2 million worth of weapons, violated his civil rights and terrified his autistic son during his arrest. Deepak Chopra claims in his lawsuit filed last month in U.S. District Court in San Francisco that members of Dublin Police Services committed “egregious constitutional violations” against him, his wife and child during a 2023 raid at Dublin Knives, 6500 Dublin Blvd.

1 month ago | independentnews.com | Larry Altman

LIVERMORE — Tri-Valley Congressman Eric Swalwell, an outspoken critic of the Trump administration, has scheduled a Town Hall meeting in Livermore on Thursday, May 8. The location will not be announced until 48 hours before the event. People interested in attending can register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/town-hall-meeting-livermore-tickets-1348950891429?aff=oddtdtcreator. The Town Hall, set to begin at 6:30 p.m., is free and also is scheduled to be livestreamed.

1 month ago | independentnews.com | Larry Altman

The City Council received an update Monday on recommendations from Livermore’s Planning Commission for policy changes that will be included in the city’s next General Plan. The update for the city’s elected leaders was part of the four-year process to create a new General Plan that will direct the city’s growth and goals through 2045 on issues ranging from land use and development to housing, transportation, economic development, climate change and community character.