Livermore Protesters Demand Reopening As City Urges Patience

LIVERMORE, CA — Several dozen protesters rallied in downtown Livermore Saturday to demand that the city allow businesses to reopen, but city officials urged patience as they work on a plan with Alameda County.

Those at the "Save our town" rally focused on struggling small businesses, saying the city would be nothing without them, ABC7 reported. Attendees included the owners of a nail salon and Anytime Fitness gym.

Alameda County will likely be able to move into Stage 2 next week, allowing curbside retail and manufacturers to reopen, health officials said Thursday. But Saturday's rallygoers insisted that was not enough.

Livermore Mayor John Marchand told ABC7 that the rally's organizers never contacted the city or the downtown business association to include them in the demonstration.

"I'd love to get business open, but it's not my call. We need to convince Alameda county we can open safely, something we're working hard to do," Marchand said.

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