Here in Livermore, although this pandemic has forced some closures and economic hardships for our businesses, we have emerged with a net positive employment base and do not expect any long-term vacancies in our commercial areas. While we have yet to determine the full impact of this pandemic, there clearly are positive signs that our community is slowly recovering. Among the exciting new businesses that have just opened or will be opening are Locanda Wine Bar, Purpose-Built Trade Co., Kokolo Donburi, F-Bomb, Prints and Pints in Downtown; Cali Burger at Republic Square; and Laderach Chocolatier Suisse, Gucci Kids, Philipp Plein, Valliani Jewelers at the Outlets.

We are also making progress on several Downtown Development projects. Currently under construction and expected to be completed by Summer 2022 are the I Street Garage with 274 new parking spaces along with a smartphone parking app to track space availability, and Livermorium Plaza, which features a five-foot diameter granite water ball fountain representing the nucleus of the Livermorium atom and engraved with facts about Livermorium and other elements, creating a learning opportunity for visitors. Other projects in progress are Legacy Livermore, Eden Housing, and Quest Science Center. For more information on Downtown development, visit: www.cityoflivermore.net/downtown.

We are also at a place where we can envision the future of Livermore. City staff and consultants are actively gathering community input for our General Plan Update and Livermore Cultural Arts Vision. To learn about the General Plan Update, visit ImagineLivermore2045.org, and the Cultural Arts Vision, visit https://courb.co/livermoreculturalartsvision.

Finally, we can safely gather and enjoy community events again. There are many holiday events happening throughout Livermore, with some detailed at www.livermoredowntown.com and www.lvwine.org.

May you all have a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season and a joyous and more prosperous new year!