Greetings from the City Manager

Dear Pinole,

As we step into 2025, I’m thrilled to share updates and exciting plans for our city. I am pleased to announce that our new Police Chief, Melissa Klavuhn, will officially begin her role at the start of February. Additionally, we are in negotiations with a new Public Works Director, who is expected to join us in early March. With these key additions, our leadership team will be fully complete, and we are looking forward to serving our community with renewed focus and energy.

We’re also laying the groundwork to ensure that Measure I funds are put to the best possible use by maintaining essential City services and addressing community priorities. Your input will play a crucial role in determining how some of the funding is used, so keep a look out for upcoming ways to share your voice. These investments will shape a brighter future for everyone in Pinole.

Our hearts go out to all of those affected by the devastating fires impacting Los Angeles. While we keep a close eye on the fires, these events are an important reminder of the need to stay prepared. Please take a moment to sign up for emergency alerts through the City of Pinole Mobile App, so you can receive critical updates when they matter most.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership as we work together to make our city a place we’re all proud to call home. Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, prosperous, and fulfilling year ahead!

We Want to Hear From You!

SUMMER CONCERTS AND MOVIES SURVEY

DOES PINOLE NEED MORE VEGAN & VEGETARIAN MENU OPTIONS?

The City of Pinole is supporting Anna Smith, fellow Pinole citizen and Executive Director of Quinan Street Project, in her quest to learn the temperature of having more vegan and vegetarian menu options at Pinole businesses. Increased availability of vegan and vegetarian options bring health, environmental and economic benefits. The survey will help gauge the community’s desire and respond accordingly. This survey will additionally help the City learn if there are any dietary gaps that it can help address. Please take this 3-minute survey to share your appetite for more plant-based. Thank you in advance!  

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is updating the Countywide Transportation Plan, and they need your input!

What’s the Plan?
This is an opportunity to help design a safer, more sustainable, and better-connected transportation system for everyone in Contra Costa County. Whether it’s improving roads, enhancing public transit, or making biking and walking safer, your ideas are essential.

How You Can Help:
Take a brief survey and share your thoughts on how to improve transportation in our community.

Take the Survey Today: Countywide Transportation Plan - Survey Complete the survey and enter to win a $100 gift card!

Let’s work together to create a better future for transportation in Contra Costa County. Share your vision today!

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Jan. 27, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Feb. 4, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Feb. 10, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

TAPS Meeting - Wed, Feb. 12, 6pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Feb. 18, 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

Senior Food Program - Tuesday, Jan. 28, 10-11am - Senior Center

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

Pinole Valley Park East Soccer Field Grand Re-Opening - Sat. Feb. 22, 9am-12pm - Pinole Valley Park

Holiday Closure

City Hall Offices will be closed on February 17, 2025 in observance of President's Day.

Inside the Council Chambers

The honorable Elihu Harris at the podium upon accepting the Martin Luther King Jr. Day proclamation.

Pinole City Council issued several proclamations in honor of the following: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Day of Racial Healing, Holocaust Day of Remembrance, Lunar New Year, Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, recognizing the City of Pinole's Police Officer of the Year, and recognizing the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District's Firefighter of the Year.

Many inspiring words were shared by special guests at the podium during Tuesday night's city council meeting. Mr. Elihu Harris, who authored and passed legislation to create the state holiday in California, said at the podium, "I'm really glad and appreciate very much that the City of Pinole recognizes not only that history is important, but that we have to recommit ourselves annually to those goals and those aspirations. Peace, justice, equality is something that everyone should be able to agree on.” Mr. Harris previously served in the California State Assembly representing the 13th District where he served as chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee in the state assembly, and served as the Mayor of Oakland from 1991 until 1998.

Officer Amy Eubanks was selected as Pinole Police Department Officer of the Year. She was appointed as Traffic Officer in February 2024 and elected as Pinole Police Association's president in June 2024. The proclamation stated "she leads with her heart and embodies the core values of the Department" and "she is inquisitive and actively seeks solutions to problems in the community." The Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Con Fire) selected Theresa Watkins as Firefighter of the Year, who serves as Fire Engineer-Paramedic for the community. 

Director Dwyer hands out a Glo Pinole Winner Award to the Cyr family.

Glo Pinole winners pose for a photo with City Council.

Congratulations to the Glo Pinole Winners, who made Pinole a brighter place this holiday season!

Residential Winners

Best Use of Lights: Lance Smith and Amber Miksza

Best Holiday Theme: Yeimmy Hernandez and Juan Ruiz

Incredible Inflatables: Johanna Jimenez and Taryn Cyr

Pinole Business Winners

Best Use of Lights: House of Lilith

Best Window Display: The Treasure Hunt Shop

Click here to watch the full meeting.

News & Updates

CITY AWARDED $700,000 GRANT FOR BUILDING DECARBONIZATION

The City of Pinole is proud to announce the award of a $700,000 grant from the California Energy Commission’s Local Government Building Decarbonization Challenge. This funding comes at a pivotal moment as the City advances its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), adopted in August 2024, which charts a path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. Pinole’s commitment aligns with state climate goals established under Senate Bill 32 and Assembly Bill 1279, as well as broader decarbonization strategies. With buildings accounting for 46% of community greenhouse gas emissions and 22% of municipal emissions, decarbonizing this sector is a top priority for the City.

This grant will allow Pinole to develop innovative initiatives in the CAAP, including creating a virtual all-electric building resource center to streamline electrification for residents and businesses, mitigating the cost of energy-efficiency upgrades,  commissioning comprehensive studies to address infrastructure needs and cost feasibility, and workforce development programs to support local contractors and tradespeople, with a focus on equity. Additionally, Pinole will lead by example with plans to electrify all municipal buildings by 2035, prioritizing facilities serving youth and senior populations. This funding is a significant milestone in Pinole’s journey toward a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.

FACILITY RENTALS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Looking for the ultimate venue for your next meeting, event, or celebration? Look no further! Our Youth Center and Senior Center are now open for bookings and ready to host your special occasion. Whether it's a corporate gathering, birthday party, or community event, our spaces are perfect for making memories.

Don't wait—secure your spot today! Visit www.pinolerec.com to reserve your space or reach out to us at rentals@pinole.gov for more information. Let's make your event unforgettable!

The Beat of Pinole

Watch Mayor Cameron Sasai in the January episode of the Beat of Pinole, where he talks about new local laws, reducing speed limits in Pinole, and more! 

Get Involved!

JOIN A COMMISSION

Joining a commission or committee is a fantastic way to get involved and help make a difference in our community. Pinole residents are encouraged to serve in an advisory capacity on a board or committee. The City of Pinole has the following vacancies:

Community Services Commission:  One (1) vacancy, two-year term

The Community Services Commission is a seven-member panel that seek to enhance quality of life for the citizens of Pinole through responsive and interactive community services. A critical aspect of the Commission is their community advocacy. They provide feedback for a number of organizations and projects. The Committee meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:00 pm.

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee (TAPS): One (1) vacancy, two-year term

The Pinole Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee is a five member panel who recommend or review action on traffic safety, traffic control and planning, speed limits, parking and other traffic related matters. The committee makes recommendations to the City Council; committee members service two-year terms.

For more information, contact the City clerk at 510-724-8928.  Visit our website for application information.

A Greener Pinole

VOLUNTEERS PICK UP 446 POUNDS OF TRASH AT BAYFRONT PARK

The community came through in a big way at the recent community cleanup at Bayfront Park last weekend. The Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed reported that 60+ volunteers showed up to lend a hand, including a Boy Scout troop, many students from Pinole Valley High School, and families of all ages. Volunteers didn't let the chilly winter air slow them down. Instead, they managed to pick up 247.5 gallons / 446 pounds of trash!

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A PLASTIC WISE PINOLE

As of January 1, 2025, single-use plastic bags and foodware are banned at Pinole businesses. Businesses will have a transition period to adapt to new requirements and so enforcement will not begin until July 1, 2025. During this transition period, businesses can sign up for free technical assistance offered by the City here. Technical assistance will include cost-effective solutions,  inventory conversion, reusables integration, distributor connections, and more. Waivers and extensions of time will be granted to qualifying businesses. Remember to place compostable foodware from Pinole food businesses in your green compost bin and paper bags in your blue recycling bin. Please visit the constantly growing single-use plastic ordinance webpage with the latest resources and updates such as a future directory of participating businesses where customer-brought reusable cups are accepted. Here is a breakdown of new regulations:

• Customer-brought bags will be accepted at all retail businesses
• A mandatory 15 cent fee will be charged for compliant bags at retail businesses only
• Food businesses may charge for bags and foodware at their own discretion
• Foodware and accessories must be unbleached, unbundled, PFAS-free, and compostable (compostable plastics not allowed)
• Foil to wrap and form food is permitted
• Senate Bill 270 businesses, such as grocery stores, are pre-empt by State regulation and are not required to comply with these new requirements

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!

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.

LAST CHANCE TO GIVE FEEDBACK ON THE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

After a year of community and stakeholder engagement through the Walk and Roll Pinole initiative, the City is proud to release a public review draft of its Active Transportation Plan (ATP). The ATP will be a blueprint to enhance a safe transportation network for residents and visitors to walk, bike, and scoot. The ATP will also place the City in a good position to receive grant funding. An ATP brings co-benefits such as health and economic benefits for active transporters as well as environmental benefits from reduced driving. REVIEW the draft Active Transportation Plan. Please leave your feedback by Friday, January 31 by calling 855-925-2801 code:1263 or email 87297@publicinput.com. Visit the project website to learn more: www.walkandrollpinole.com. Thanks in advance!

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!

FACILITY RENTALS NOW OPEN

Looking for the ultimate venue for your next meeting, event, or celebration? Look no further! Our Youth Center and Senior Center are now open for bookings and ready to host your special occasion. Whether it's a corporate gathering, birthday party, or community event, our spaces are perfect for making memories.

Don't wait—secure your spot today! Visit www.pinolerec.com to reserve your space or reach out to us at rentals@pinole.gov for more information. Let's make your event unforgettable!

FERNANDEZ PARK PROJECT

It is time to cut back and pollard our trees at Fernandez Park. Many trees will be cut back which will ensure public health and safety as well as preserving the health of the trees. The project is scheduled to take place from January 22 to January 24. We will send out some additional information, but if you have questions, please send them our way via email recreation@pinole.gov.

PINOLE VALLEY SOCCER FIELD (EAST) GRAND OPENING

Join us for the Grand Re-Opening of the Pinole Valley Park East Soccer Field on Saturday, February 22nd, from 9 AM to 12 PM! Thanks to a generous donation from the West Contra Costa Youth Soccer League (WCCYSL) and a fantastic partnership with the City, the field has been transformed and is ready to shine. Come out and celebrate this exciting upgrade with a jam-packed day of soccer activities, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. Bring the whole family for a day of celebration you won’t want to miss.

TINY TOTS REGISTRATION

Join the fun at Tiny Tots—where learning and play go hand in hand. Your little ones will have a blast exploring their creativity through arts & crafts, dancing to fun tunes, and enjoying exciting story time adventures. It’s the perfect way for children to learn, grow, and make new friends in a fun, engaging environment.

We’ve got space available in our afternoon Pre-K class, so don’t miss out! Visit www.pinole.gov/tinytots or email tinytots@pinole.gov.

PRESIDENT'S WEEK CAMP

Get ready for the ultimate President's Week Camp from February 18th to February 21st – a whole week of fun and excitement you won’t want to miss. From 9 am to 4 pm at the Youth Center (635 Tennent Ave.), we’ve packed the camp with thrilling games, fun-filled cooking sessions, high-energy sports, creative crafts, and so much more! Designed for children ages 5-12, this is the perfect opportunity for your kids to make the most of their President's Week break and create lasting memories. Don't miss out—register online at www.pinolerec.com.

SENIOR CENTER VOLUNTEERS

Do you have a passion of serving the community? Do you enjoy being a part of a team? We are looking for volunteers to help the lunch program at the Senior Center in the following areas:

Food Prep / Server 9AM - 1PM

Dish Wash 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM

Ticket Check-in 12PM - 1PM

Stop by the Front Desk for a volunteer application to get started!

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, February 10, 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, January 28, 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.

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!

SENIOR CENTER LUNCH PROGRAM

Enjoy a delicious meal and make new friends with our in-person dining experience offered Wednesdays - Fridays in the Senior Center Main Hall. Call 510-418-0313 to place order. Meals are $8 for Senior Center Members and $10 for Non-Members.

NOTICE TO MERCHANTS -- LICENSE RENEWAL TIME

Attention Business Owners – 2024 Pinole Business Licenses expired on December 31, 2024. Business license taxes for 2025 were due on December 31, 2024 and become delinquent on February 1, 2025, at which time unpaid taxes are subject to a 50% penalty. There is a change to the business license tax rate for calendar year 2025. The tax for the basic business license is $168.00 per year (not including the $4.00 AB 1379 state mandated fee).

Business license renewal forms are being mailed out November 27, 2024. Renewal forms are mailed to you as a courtesy; we make every effort to make sure that a renewal form is mailed to each active business. If you do not receive a renewal form, it is the business owner’s responsibility to pay the business license tax by January 31, 2025. Please remit your payment to:

City of Pinole

Attn: Business License Dept

2131 Pear St

Pinole, CA 94564

For your convenience, information is available on our website at www.pinole.gov. Select doing business then licenses, permits & inspections where you will also find information on how to process your renewal online.

If you are no longer conducting business, please check the Inactive box in the upper right hand corner of the courtesy renewal form, sign it and return it to us. This will prevent any unnecessary collection activity.