Supporting A Culture Of Welcome In Livermore, Inclusion And Respect

Press release from the City of Livermore:

June 15, 2020

On June 15, 2020, the City was made aware of an occurrence at the Livermore Farmers' Market that happened on June 7 between a Director of the market operator, California Farmers Market Association (CFMA), and Dan Floyd of Dan Good Cookies. The Farmers' Market is contracted through Livermore Downtown Inc. (LDI) and LDI confirmed that CFMA is no longer managing the Farmers' Market effective June 16, 2020. LDI is searching for a new market operator at this time.

The occurrence at the market is not reflective of Livermore's values of inclusion and respect. As stated in the Council's proclamation, "Our strength is derived from our diversity and inclusiveness, from respecting one another." The City Council believes that a city can best stand against bigotry, intolerance, and hate through leading by example and living our shared community values. This month (June), the rainbow flag is flying at City Hall as a colorful reminder of how our City is strengthened and enriched by the diversity of its residents, business owners, and students, and we continue to work toward a more inclusive community.

Livermore City Council Proclamation:

SUPPORTING A CULTURE OF

WELCOME, INCLUSION AND RESPECT

October 19, 2019

WHEREAS, the region around the City of Livermore has a diverse history that begins with the Ohlone, Miwok and Yokuts peoples, continues with being a part of Spain and Mexico, and is now part of California and the United States; and

WHEREAS, our city was named for Robert Livermore, himself an immigrant and a man who lived the values of welcoming strangers, as recorded in the diary of his foreman, Joshua Neal: “Many of the immigrants will remember his kindness of heart and hospitality to all, for he was continually assisting those in need. His orders to his vaqueros were to be on the lookout for coming immigrants, and as soon as discovered, to go up to them and ascertain their needs”; and

WHEREAS, the City of Livermore has been and continues to be home to people of different national origins, immigration or refugee status, cultures, histories, races, ethnicities, religious affiliations or none, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, education, economic status and physical, mental or emotional abilities. Our strength is derived from our diversity and inclusiveness, from respecting one another, from welcoming immigrants and others, and from collaborating with one another across our differences; and

WHEREAS, the City Council believes that a city can best stand against bigotry, intolerance and hate through leading by example and living our shared community values of welcome, inclusion, and respect, and by developing common ground in venues that allow us to talk and work together in service to each other and our community;

NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Livermore supports community efforts, which invite residents to learn from one another, such as this Livermore Pride celebration commemorating LGBT History Month and related civil rights movements. The City Council thanks Livermore Pride organizers and encourages members of our community to come together to celebrate our diversity.

This press release was produced by the City of Livermore. The views expressed here are the author’s own.