Livermore, incorporated in 1876, is the oldest city in the Livermore Valley. William Mendenhall is credited as the city's founder. He helped spur the opening of the railroad through town in 1869 which transformed the area into an agricultural center. The prosperous city had an extensive mercantile and wine industry in the late 19th century.
This scenic ranching community took on a dual personality when a surplus naval base was transformed into the internationally renown Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1952. The city welcomed Sandia National Laboratory in 1956. These labs helped swell the city's population from 4,000 residents in 1950 to 40,000 in 1970.
Livermore's population is expected to reach 77,000 this year. Plans that could extend Livermore's borders north of Interstate 580 could add another 30,000 people. Livermore vineyards, such as Wente Vineyards and Concannon Vineyards, have graced the valley since 1849. In 1984, Livermore's microclimate was deemed perfect for growing varietals like Sauvingnon Blanc, Semillion and Cabernet grapes. The South Livermore Valley Area Plan, adopted by Alameda County in February 1993, intends to promote viticulture in the 14,000 acres southeast of Pleasanton, one of our neighboring cities.
Livermore adopted an economic development program in 1992 and is actively pursuing the expansion of Livermore's industrial and commercial base. In the past few years, the city has seen significant retail activity, especially along Interstate 580. Target, WalMart, Costo Wholesale Wharehouse, Mervyn's and Ross all have claimed a spot in the city's economy.
Livermore offers a variety of community events including the Livermore Pro Rodeo, Harvest Wine Festival, Days of Wine and Honey, Old-fashioned Fourth of July Celebration with fireworks, and Fitness Day.
Our weather is warmer and dryer than the shore cities of Alameda County, but not as hot as the Central Valley which is separated from Livermore by the Diablo Range. Livermore occasionally traps some of the smog that blows around the Bay Area, but air quality in the region has been improving. Temperatures can get to the high 90s and 100s in the summer months, but it is a dry heat.