Greetings from the City Manager

Hello, Wonderful Pinole Residents!

Spring has truly arrived, and I hope you’re all enjoying these sunny, delightful days we’ve been blessed with in Pinole! The weather has been beautiful, warm, and bright. I’ve been relishing every moment I get to take in the sights around town, from the blooming flowers to neighbors out savoring the fresh air. It’s a perfect reminder of what makes Pinole such a cherished place to live.

We kicked off April with a huge success at the Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 5th, at Fernandez Park; what a great day! I adored watching our little ones hunt for eggs, their joy lighting up the day. Thank you to everyone who came, especially the kids; you made it unforgettable!

We hope you can join us tomorrow for the Pinole Earth Walk from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fernandez Park to celebrate our planet and community. Then, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., dive into the Swim Center Grand Reopening! Learn about swim lessons, pool parties, and more—the first 25 participants get free entry. I’d love to see you at both events.

As always, I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing city. These longer, brighter days are a gift, and I hope you’re all finding ways to enjoy them; whether it’s a stroll through our parks, a dip in the pool, or just sitting outside with a good book. Pinole shines because of you, and I’m so excited for all the adventures we’ll share this season.

We Want to Hear From You

DOES PINOLE WANT MORE PRINT OR DIGITAL OUTREACH?

The City of Pinole wants to know—would residents of Pinole prefer outreach through print or digital channels? Your feedback will help us fine-tune our approach, ensuring we reach you in the most effective way possible. This quick 5-question survey will guide us in bridging any communication gaps and better serving our community. Please take a moment to let us know your preference. Thank you, Pinole neighbors!

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Finance Subcommittee  - Thur, April 24, 3pm - Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, April 28, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, May 6, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, May 12, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Budget Workshop - Tues, May 13, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, May 20, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

The public may attend and participate in-person in the City Hall Council Chamber or via Zoom. Agendas, minutes, and other detailed information regarding how to attend and participate in Pinole’s public meetings can be found on the website.

CITY-SPONSORED EVENTS

Pinole Earth Walk - Sat, Apr. 19, 9-11am - Fernandez Park

Swim Center Grand Reopening - Sat, Apr. 19, 1-4pm - 2450 Simas Ave.

Food Distribution – Mon, Apr. 22, 9-10am - Senior Center

Senior Food Distribution – Tue, May 12, 10-11am - Senior Center

Community Services Day - Sat, May 17, 9-11am - Youth Center

Pride & Juneteenth Celebration - Sun, June 8, 12-3pm - Fernandez Park

Inside the Council Chambers

Pinole City Council presented the Earth Day proclamation to Pinole Valley High School's Earth Team.

Pinole City Council recognized several proclamations in honor of the following: Earth Day, Arbor Day, Autism Acceptance Month, Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, and Parkinsons Awareness Month. 

HIGHLIGHTS

At the Pinole City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, the Partnership for the Bay’s Future (PBF) presented its innovative programs aimed at addressing housing challenges and promoting equitable development in Pinole. The PBF, in collaboration with the City of Pinole, Northern California Land Trust, and RCF Connects, introduced three key initiatives: the Home Restoration Program, which uses a social impact bond to restore blighted properties for first-time BIPOC homebuyers; the Affordable Housing Policy Guide to prioritize equitable access to housing funds; and the Rental Registry Program to ensure safe and fair rental practices. Residents can learn more about the Home Restoration Program’s successful Richmond pilot, which restored 29 properties and reduced property crimes, at baysfuture.org or review the Richmond Social Impact Bond Report at rcfconnects.org.

A member of Earth Team gives a presentation on the Climate Literacy Framework.

The Earth Team, a youth-led nonprofit, also presented its Climate Literacy Framework, designed to educate Pinole students on environmental issues like wildfire prevention and rising sea levels, which pose significant risks to the city. The framework proposes integrating climate education into school curricula, expanding recycling programs, and engaging the community through projects like public gardens and carbon footprint calculations. Residents are encouraged to support this initiative by contacting local organizations such as Friends of Pinole Creek or the Pinole Rotary Club and advocating for the framework’s adoption by the school board. For more details or to get involved, visit Earth Team’s website or reach out to Pinole Watershed groups.

News & Updates

Fernandez Baseball Field lights newly repaired (photo taken just before dusk).

FERNANDEZ PARK BASEBALL FIELD LIGHTS SHINE BRIGHT

For the first time in over a decade, the lights at Fernandez Baseball Field are fully functional, thanks to a collaborative effort between the  Public Works and Community Services departments, and Continental Electric. This challenging project involved rewiring eight fixtures and replacing 16 bulbs—no small feat considering the work was done 85 feet in the air. Prior to these repairs, the lighting system had been operating at only 50% capacity, limiting field usage. Beyond restoring full lighting, the project provided valuable hands-on experience for the Public Works team, ensuring better maintenance in the future. The restored lights now make Fernandez Field a fully usable and vibrant recreational space for the community. If you are interested in renting the baseball field or any other City facilities, visit www.PinoleRec.com. 

Egg-themed arts and crafts inspired creativity for all ages. 

Children having fun making gigantic bubbles.

A happy toddler runs off with a giant egg!

PINOLE KICKS OFF SPRING WITH EGG HUNT

Earlier this month, the City of Pinole welcomed spring with a fun-filled Egg Hunt celebration that brought smiles to hundreds of families. Over 5,000 eggs were collected! Happy faces were everywhere as kids searched the grass with baskets in hand. The day was packed with activities including giant bubbles, chalk art, spring-themed crafts, and visits from cheerful spring characters—plus a special appearance by everyone’s favorite, Floppy the Bunny. Food trucks served up tasty treats, and the laughter and excitement marked a perfect kickoff to the season.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEWER LATERALS

If you're planning to apply for a building permit, sell your home, or have been notified by the City, you may need to ensure your private sewer lateral is in compliance with Pinole Municipal Code 13.20. The City of Pinole requires a valid Certificate of Compliance—issued within the last 10 years—to protect public health and reduce environmental impacts caused by aging sewer laterals. These laterals can leak and overwhelm the wastewater system, leading to costly overflows and pollution. If your property doesn’t already have a certificate, you’ll need to submit a sewer lateral video inspection and make any necessary repairs or replacements to meet City standards. Final building inspections will be delayed until compliance is achieved. For details, visit www.pinole.gov/sanitary-sewer-lateral.

A Greener Pinole

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND FOR EARTH DAY

The Pinole Earth Walk is on Saturday, April 19 from 9 am-11 am at Fernandez Park. Earth Day is a reminder to pay gratitude to our planet for sustaining us everyday. The event kicks off with an optional ~1.5 mile walking pledge along the Creek and Bay, followed by free refreshments and fun, earth-themed activities provided by local community groups and agencies. We encourage you to also participate in the Pinole Earth Day Challenge ahead of the event to claim a small gift and enter into a raffle for a sustainable prize. The first 100 registrants for Earth Walk will receive a free reusable straws kit, kindly sponsored by our clean energy provider, Marin Clean Energy. We hope to see you there. Register TODAY!

We encourage you to start celebrating Earth Day with us by taking a small challenge to help the planet! Choose any eco-friendly action —like using less water, composting, or walking instead of driving. If you bring a small proof (i.e. photo) of your eco-friendly action to the City's information booth at the Pinole Earth Walk, you will get a small gift PLUS an entry into our raffle for a one-of-a-kind upcycled banner bag!

Can't make it to Pinole Earth Walk? Here are some other Earth Day events you can attend:

Saturday, April 19, 2025
Rodeo Creek Cleanup at 605 Parker Avenue in Rodeo (near Goodwill), 9 am-12 pm

Saturday, April 26, 2025
Upper Sand Creek Basin Cleanup in Antioch, 9 am-12 pm
Crockett Waterfront Cleanup at 1909 Dowrelio Drive in Crockett (near CREEC Greenhouse), 10 am-1 pm

Saturday, May 10, 2025
Grayson Creek Cleanup at 250 Cleaveland Road in Pleasant Hill, 9 am-12 pm. Registration required.
 

Reminders

DOWNLOAD THE CITY OF PINOLE APP

In Pinole, the City of Pinole mobile app is a convenient way to stay connected to what's happening in the City of Pinole. In the event of a disaster or emergency, you can receive critical notifications and information from the City, the National Weather Service, and the Community Warning System. We encourage you to download the app today!

SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM ALERTS

The Community Warning System (CWS) is the all-hazard public warning notification system for Contra Costa County. CWS alerts you through phone calls, text messages, email, the sounding of sirens, this website, and social media, when a potentially life or health-threatening hazard requires you to take action. You can also receive alerts from the CWS through the City of Pinole mobile app.

LIMITED-TIME REBATES: RELAUNCH OF THE PINOLE ENERGY ENHANCEMENT REBATE PROGRAM

The City of Pinole is excited to announce the relaunch of the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program (PEER)! Recent changes in regional rebates mean we've restructured the program to keep offering you substantial savings on energy-efficient home upgrades. Get up to $3,000 in rebates on improvements like heat pump water heaters, HVAC systems, induction stovetops, insulation, and more. These upgrades help you lower energy costs, improve home comfort, and contribute to a more sustainable community. Plus, you can stack PEER rebates with local, state, and federal programs to save even more! But hurry—rebates are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ready to save? Visit the PROJECT WEBSITE for full details. Let’s work together to make your home more energy-efficient and our community greener!

HOW TO REPORT POTHOLES

Report potholes by calling (510) 724-9010 or submit a request online. Please be prepared to describe the location of the pothole. Over the past month, our Public Works team patched 39 potholes (and counting) in Pinole!

YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS

Get ready for an unforgettable season! We're offering Summer Camps for youth ages 3–12. Our camps are packed with exciting activities—interactive games, creative arts and crafts, fun-filled sports, and hands-on adventures your child will love.

Spots fill quickly—register today at www.pinolerec.com!

SWIM CENTER GRAND REOPENING

Join us for the Grand Reopening of the Swim Center on Saturday, April 19th from 1 - 4pm. Come and learn about our Swim Center offerings this season from pool party reservations, swim lessons, and lap swim!  The first 25 event participants will receive free entry.

Registration for Swim Lessons now open. Visit www.pinolerec.com to register. For additional questions, please contact pinoleseals.pool@gmail.com or (510) 724 - 9025.

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

Join us on Saturday, May 17th from 9 am - 11 am at the Youth Center (635 Tennent Avenue) for Community Service Day - a day of service dedicated to better our Pinole community! We invite you to participate in our volunteer-led efforts across the city. To volunteer, register with at www.pinolerec.com.

PRIDE AND JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

We are excited to host our 3rd annual Pride and Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 8th from 12 -3 pm at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Avenue). Join us for a day of celebration with musical performances, food trucks, local vendors, and children’s activities. If you are interested in tabling or being food vendor, please visit www.pinole.gov/vendor to fill out our vendor form.

FREE YOUTH WATERCOLOR CLASSES

Space is still available in our youth art classes made possible by a generous donation from the Pinole Youth Foundation. These classes are hosted by the Pinole Artisans at the Youth Center (635 Tennent Avenue). Sign up for a class at www.pinolerec.com.

COMMUNITY EXERCISE CLASSES

Get your fitness on with exercise classes hosted at the Senior Center (2500 Charles Avenue).  Enjoy various classes that specialize in aerobics, movement, and strength-training. Classes include: Turbo Kick, Zumba, Zumba Toning, Fitness Games, and Floor Exercise. Register for exercise classes at www.pinolerec.com.

Scholarship opportunities for Fitness Games are available for the first 25 (ages 6-12) youth participants who email recreation@pinole.gov. Include the youth's full name and date of birth to be awarded free registration.

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County will be providing free bags of fresh produce. The next drive-thru distribution is Monday, May 12, 2025, from 9 AM to 10 AM (or as supplies last) at the Pinole Senior Center, 2500 Charles Avenue where you will receive one bag per household, If you have any questions, email recreation@pinole.gov or call us at (510) 724-9800.

SENIOR FOOD PROGRAM

The Senior Center partners with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County to offer the Senior Food Program. Low-income senior citizens ages 55+ to receive free groceries, including healthy pantry staples, eggs, cheese, and assorted meats twice a month. The program is available for Pinole senior residents only. This program takes place every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Individuals interested in the program must complete the Senior Food Program Application. Applications are available at the Senior Center and can also be found on the Pinole Senior Center website: www.pinole.gov/seniors.

RENT OUR PARKS, FIELDS, AND FACILITIES

Secure your reservation at our parks, fields, and rental facilities today!  Reserve your space www.pinolerec.com  or reach out to us at rentals@pinole.gov for more information. Let's make your event unforgettable!

FOOD AND EVENT VENDORS

We invite you to join our 2025 events lineup! Are you passionate about sharing your delicious creations or unique offerings with the community? Showcase your food, products, or services at one of our upcoming events. Visit www.pinole.gov/vendor to complete the interest form.

INSTRUCTOR CALL OUT

We are now looking for instructors interested in teaching classes. Do you have a passion for teaching? Do you have talents or a skill you would like to share with the community? If your answer is yes, please email us at recreation@pinole.gov for more information.

JOIN OUR TEAM

The City of Pinole Community Services Department is now hiring part-time positions. Become a member of our team – Visit our website to apply today!

City council supportive of City staff.