Popular Livermore Statue Not Missing, Just Out For Maintenance

LIVERMORE, CA — A bronze life-sized statue of a little boy usually located on the sidewalk in the 2300 block Railroad Ave. has been temporarily removed for regular maintenance, city officials said. The "Sunday with Jessie" statue, which depicts a young boy happily enjoying his ice cream cone with his adoring dog, was created by sculptor Susan Geissler and was donated in 2016 by Gary and Nancy Harrington of Pleasanton.

Many locals were concerned the statue had been vandalized or stolen. The artwork has had a bit of abuse since it was installed. In 2016, the Labrador Retriever statue was found near the railroad tracks behind Ising's Culligan Water on Railroad Avenue. The pup was returned to its original spot.

On this occasion, city officials said the paint on the boy’s face had worn off and was simply overdue for maintenance.

“Both pieces are being restored by San Francisco Art Conservation; the child at their warehouse in Oakland, and the dog, Jessie, will be maintained on site,” officials said.

The two will be reunited by the end of July.

Photo courtesy City of Livermore