Greetings from the City Manager

Dear Pinole Residents,

I hope you all had a safe and joyous 4th of July!

I am very happy to be here in Pinole as City Manager. Even after just 6 days, I can see that Pinole is a welcoming, vibrant community. As I settle in to this role, I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting as many of our residents and business owners as I can.

We Want to Hear From You

HOW SHOULD AI BE USED IN THE CITY OF PINOLE?

The City of Pinole is developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy to ensure that any AI tools used by the City are applied responsibly, transparently, and in ways that reflect community values. As we shape this policy, we want to hear directly from our residents—your insights, questions, and concerns are essential. We invite you to take a moment to complete our community survey and help guide how AI is used to support City services now and in the future.

HELP IMPROVE EMERGENCY ALERTS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Contra Costa County is conducting a public survey to better understand how residents and visitors receive emergency alerts and warnings. The survey asks about emergency alerts, preparedness, language access, and communications for future incidents such as wildfires, earthquakes, refinery incidents, severe weather, public safety emergencies, and other critical events. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and responses are anonymous. Survey closes on July 10, 2026. Thank you for helping make Constra Costa County safer and more prepared. 

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, July 13, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Wastewater Subcommittee Meeting - Thurs, July 16, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, July 21, 5:30pm - Zoom/City Hall

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

Planning Commission Meeting - Monday, Aug. 10, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

NOTE: City Council meetings are canceled for the month of August and will resume in September. 

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.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Froyo with the 5-0 - Thurs, July 16, 12-2pm - Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

Pinole Creek Cleanup - Sat, July 18, 10am-12pm - Pinole Community Church

Active Transportation Plan Workshop - Thurs, July 23, 5:30-7:30pm - Zoom/City Hall (Community Room)

UPCOMING CLOSURE

City Hall and Community Services Department facilities will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Inside the Council Chambers

City Manager Naomi Kelly greets City Council during her first City of Pinole Council Meeting.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

At its July 7, 2026 meeting, the Pinole City Council issued proclamations to honor Independence Day and Centenarian Rosemarie Cutino, who turned 100 on July 3rd.

Rosemarie Cutino has been a resident of Pinole for 66 years and loves her community. She has 6 children and 7 grandchildren and still lives in the same house she moved to in Pinole in 1960.

The City of Pinole has an active Centenarian Program to honor members of the community who have reached 100 years of age. If you have a friend or family member celebrating their birthday of 100 years or older, we would like to honor your loved one’s wealth and experience through its Centenarian Program. Visit the Senior Center or call 510-724-9800 to inquire about an application.

Milestone Achieved in Tennent Avenue/Bay Trail Improvements

City Council approved a Public Highway Crossing Agreement and Public Roadway Encroachment Agreement -- an important milestone in the Tennent Avenue/Bay Trail Gap Closure Project (CIP No. RO1902). The City continues to make significant progress on long‑planned safety improvements which will eliminate a 600‑foot missing link between Bayfront Park, the Bay Trail, and the Pinole Creek Trail. Since 2019, staff (supported by consultant CSWST2) have been working closely with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to design a safer, modernized crossing for the hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists who navigate the two active railroad tracks each day. The project is now advancing into construction thanks to major funding secured over the past several years, including $1,445,000 in Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP) funds awarded across multiple cycles and $1,020,000 in One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) grant funds dedicated to construction.

To enhance safety, the project has been divided into two coordinated components: Area 1, implemented by UPRR, will build a fully separated, ADA‑compliant Class I crossing equipped with pedestrian and vehicle gates, active warning devices, lighting, and fencing that will bring the crossing up to modern rail safety standards. Area 2, implemented by the City, will install a new pedestrian sidewalk, bicycle path, improved signage and striping, upgraded parking design, and a safer, narrowed intersection at Tennent Avenue/Railroad Avenue. Together, these improvements will close a critical gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail, reduce conflicts between roadway users and rail operations, and strengthen multimodal connectivity throughout the region.

Council Receives a Presentation on Civil Grand Jury Report

City Manager Naomi Kelly shared the City of Pinole’s responses to the 2025/26 Civil Grand Jury report, which reviewed the City’s fiscal condition, financial management practices, and long‑term challenges. The report included 26 findings and 6 recommendations, and the City emphasized the significant steps already taken to correct course and strengthen Pinole’s financial future.

Pinole agreed with many of the Grand Jury’s findings, noting that the City’s 2025/26 Operating Budget is structurally balanced with ongoing revenues covering ongoing expenditures. The City acknowledged past operating deficits in four of the five years preceding the current budget and recognized that its 10.25 percent sales tax rate is among the highest in the county. Pinole also agreed that CalPERS pension liabilities have grown significantly over the past decade and that local road conditions are rated “At Risk,” alongside other infrastructure facing major funding gaps. Additionally, independent assessments, including the Baker Tilly Report and a statewide fiscal dashboard, identified Pinole as confronting serious long‑term financial pressures.

In several areas, the City offered partial agreement, noting where conditions have changed since the Grand Jury’s review. Most importantly, Pinole has adopted an updated long‑term financial forecast known as the “Yellow Brick Road.” This plan incorporates major expenditure reductions and financial controls that eliminate projected deficits beginning in Fiscal Year 2026/27. It also significantly reduces dependence on the City’s Section 115 Trust by limiting withdrawals to below annual interest earnings. The City reaffirmed that its General Reserve remains fully compliant with policy requirements.

The Civil Grand Jury issued several recommendations, and Pinole highlighted the proactive work already underway:

• The City has already implemented the recommendation to prepare annual budgets with expenditure reductions so that revenues and expenditures match. This is reflected in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget.
• The City has begun implementing a formal long‑term financial plan aligned with the Baker Tilly Report’s guidance. The “Yellow Brick Road” is already in place, and a comprehensive financial strategy covering OPEB obligations, technology planning, and capital improvement funding will be completed by Fiscal Year 2027/28.
• Pinole will expand community engagement on fiscal challenges. Quarterly Finance Subcommittee meetings will begin as part of this effort.
• The City will develop a funding and reconstruction plan for Pinole’s public roads. This plan will be discussed by the Infrastructure and Transportation Subcommittee in Fall 2026 and incorporated into the City’s Capital Improvement Plan in Spring 2027.

While the Civil Grand Jury highlighted significant fiscal challenges, City Manager Naomi Kelly emphasized that the City has already taken major steps to stabilize finances, plan responsibly for the future, and align with recommended best practices. Pinole’s updated financial strategy, commitment to transparency, and upcoming infrastructure planning show the City’s dedication to building a stronger fiscal foundation for years to come.

Watch the full video.

A resident at the podium shares his thoughts and ideas about Pinole during a Council meeting.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE YOUR VOICE ON PINOLE'S FINANCIAL FUTURE

Looking for ways to share your thoughts on Pinole’s financial future? The City will be offering more opportunities for public participation in the months ahead. A schedule for quarterly Finance Subcommittee Meetings is currently being established, that will give residents a regular forum to learn about the City’s budget challenges and offer feedback. There will be multiple opportunities to go through and discuss the budget over the next year. 

The next City Council meeting on July 21, 2026 at 5:30pm will include a presentation on the City’s response to the Civil Grand Jury report, and public comment is welcomed. Residents can participate in person at the City Hall Council Chambers, join via Zoom, or call in by phone. If you can’t attend during the meeting, you can still make your voice heard—simply email your public comment to comment@pinole.gov before 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting. All emailed comments are shared with the City Council and added to the public record.

Your input helps guide Pinole’s path forward. We encourage all residents to stay engaged and take part in these upcoming conversations. Follow us or check our website calendar for upcoming meetings. 

News & Updates

A family proudly shows off delightful wooden handicrafts at their vendor booth. 

A mother and son enjoy a colorful display of classic cars in the sunshine. 

A young videographer filming her happy family in the Pinole Community Television (PCTV) booth. 

Three generations of family eat a delicious hot breakfast at the Car Show Pancake Breakfast at the Senior Center. 

PINOLE CLASSIC CAR SHOW KICKS OFF SUMMER

The Pinole Classic Car Show brought vibrant energy to downtown Pinole as hundreds of beautifully restored classic cars lined the streets under perfect sunshine. Families, neighbors, and visitors of all ages came out to admire the displays, enjoy live music from the band, and kick off the summer together. The day started with a delicious pancake breakfast at the Senior Center, and it was truly an all‑hands‑on‑deck effort across the City. The Police Department hosted a community booth and made sure everyone was safe, Public Works and Community Services staff supported the event throughout the day, and Pinole Community TV captured the memories while showcasing their photo and video equipment. Thanks to the dedication of City staff, volunteers, and our engaged community, the event was a great success and a joyful celebration of summer in Pinole.

PINOLE ACHIEVES A STRUCTURALLY BALANCED BUDGET

The City of Pinole is proud to announce that it has achieved a structurally balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27, a significant financial milestone that positions the City for long-term stability and growth. After years of ongoing fiscal challenges, including this year’s structural deficit of approximately $4.2 million, the City has closed the gap through a combination of strategic revenue enhancements, expense reductions, and thoughtful long-range planning. Under the leadership and direction of the Pinole City Council, staff undertook a series of corrective actions to restore financial balance. As a result of these efforts, the General Fund Final Proposed Budget is now balanced with a modest surplus of $2,376, supported by approximately $30 million in both revenues and expenditures.

This progress is the result of several months of diligent work by City staff, who conducted a thorough examination of operations and made careful, and at times difficult, decisions to ensure fiscal responsibility. Their dedication, paired with the guidance of an exceptional Finance Department and strong leadership team, has provided a brighter financial outlook for Pinole. With a healthy blend of new revenues, strategic cost savings, and a steadfast commitment to careful management, the City of Pinole is well positioned for a stable and sustainable future. This year’s balanced budget represents an encouraging and meaningful step forward on the City’s “yellow brick road,” and a promising foundation for the years ahead. Read the full article. 

Pinole's current City Council (from left to right clockwise): Mayor Anthony Tave, Councilmember Maureen Toms, Mayor Pro Tempore Devin Murphy, Councilmember Norma Martinez-Rubin, and Councilmember Cameron Sasai.

 CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE NOMINATION PERIOD BEGINS JULY 13

Thinking about serving your community? Three City Council seats will be on the ballot this November. The nomination period for prospective candidates runs from July 13 through August 7, and appointments are required to pull nomination paperwork. Those interested in running are encouraged to contact City Clerk Heather Bell‑Spears at hbell@pinole.gov or (510) 724‑8928 to schedule an appointment or learn more about the process. Additional details are available on the City’s Elections Information webpage. 

Pinole operates under a Council‑Manager form of government, with five at‑large Councilmembers serving four‑year terms and the Mayor rotating annually among the Council. If you would like to learn more about City Council responsibilities, we invite you to watch a meeting or explore recent agendas online at [link]: https://pinoleca.portal.civicclerk.com/.

SPEEDING CATCHES UP WITH YOU: SLOW THE FAST DOWN

This July and beyond, The Pinole Police Department encourages drivers to follow the speed limit and “slow the fast down.” During the month of July, the Pinole Police Department will have officers on patrol looking for drivers who are speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Speeding remains a leading factor in deadly crashes and is consistently the top safety concern among surveyed California drivers, according to the 2025 California Traffic Safety Survey. Even small increases in speed reduce the time drivers have to react and significantly increases the force of a crash. Slowing down is a simple, effective way to prevent tragedies on our roads.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,288 people died from speeding-related crashes in the U.S. in 2024, accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities that year. In California alone, 1,139 people were killed in speeding-related crashes in 2024.

“Speeding is dangerous and puts everyone at risk,” Pinole Police Department, Officer Franco Dalao said. “Your daily choice to drive within the speed limit protects everyone in our community. Risky driving behaviors like speeding continue to cause preventable tragedies on California roads.”

Drivers can take simple steps to prevent speeding:

• Plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
• Follow posted speed limits, especially in school and work zones.
• Drive at a speed that is safe for the conditions around you. Adjust your speed for changing weather, traffic and road conditions.
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or weaving through traffic.

Crashes have severe and lasting consequences, and slowing down is one of the most important actions you can take to keep everyone using roads safe. By taking precautions and driving at safe speeds, we can make sure everyone in the community reaches their destination safely.

A Greener Pinole

Volunteers with the items they cleaned up from Pinole Creek. Photo courtesy of Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed. 

FRIENDS OF PINOLE CREEK TACKLE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CLEANUP

The Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed held another productive creek cleanup on Saturday, June 20, focusing on the trail behind Sprouts. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of 21 volunteers, the group collected an impressive 165 pounds (about 133 gallons) of trash from the area. Among the larger items pulled from the creek were a shopping cart and even a car fender.

These regular cleanups play an important role in keeping Pinole Creek healthy, protecting wildlife habitat, and maintaining a safe and beautiful community space for everyone to enjoy. The City extends its gratitude to all volunteers who came out to support the watershed and help keep Pinole’s natural environment thriving. If you’re interested in joining a future event, stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved.

GET MORE THAN $6,500 BACK ON HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS FOR ANY-INCOME HOMES

Stack rebates for even more savings and healthier homes! The Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program (PEER) offers homes limited; first-come, first-served rebates up to $3,000 for clean energy upgrades such as heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, induction stoves, insulation and more. PEER rebates can be stacked with Marin Clean Energy heat pump rebates: $3,175 for heat pump water heating & $2,000 + $400 per 500 sqft. for heat pump space heating/cooling. Additionally, for a limited time the City is offering heat pump permit rebates. There’s more! Golden State Rebates offers up to $700 for heat pump water heaters. Please check all respective rebate program requirements before starting work on your project. The City encourages homeowners to take advantage of free services offered by QuitCarbon through the Pinole All-Electric Concierge to review your home’s project scope and bids—at no cost—to ensure you are getting a fair price. Additionally, QuitCarbon’s free assistance can identify additional incentives for your home and get you connected with the right contractor for rebate stacking. Please see the breakdown below on approximate final heat pump project costs.

Get A Free Heat Pump Ductless Mini-Split!

Rebuilding Together East Bay Network (RTEBN) in partnership with Contra Costa County will install ductless heat-pump mini-splits to eligible homeowners for free. Heat pump systems improve indoor and outdoor air quality and energy-efficiency all while helping our planet.

Demographic Requirements

• Must be a homeowner and reside in the single-family home, townhome, duplex, condominium or mobile home in Contra Costa County.
• Must have an annual household income less than 80% of the median. Proof of income required. Eligible applicants are funded on a first-come; first-served basis. Priority may be given to applicants who face urgent need.

Structural Requirements

• Must have required electrical capacity in main panel. Typical amperage is a 20-30A dedicated circuit.
• Must approve of full removal and replacement of gas heater to convert to electric heat pump system

To get started, complete an interest form.  Need application support? Call 510-644-8979 EXT.105 for in-person  support or email kati@rtebn.org for online support.

Reminders

HOW TO SUBMIT A SERVICE REQUEST

Report potholes, streetlights, wastewater, tree trimming, public parks and facilities, or other issues on City-owned property to Public Works. You can submit a Service Request on our website or through the mobile app:

How to submit a request through the website:

1. From the homepage, click on “Report a Problem"
2. Click on the “Service Request Form” tab
3. Fill out the form, and click “Submit”

Submitting work requests in this way is the best way for work requests to get addressed in a timely manner. Thank you for your cooperation and partnership to keep our city in tip top shape!

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.

SUMMER SOCCER CAMPS

Meet us at the field this summer for high-energy soccer camps designed for ages 5–12 to build skills and confidence. Camps will be held at Pinole Valley West Soccer Field (3790 Pinole Valley Road), from 9am–12pm. Aftercare is also available for an additional fee from 12pm–2:30pm. For questions, email recreation@pinole.gov or call (510) 724-9800, and register at www.pinolerec.com.

COASTAL CLEANUP 2026 - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The annual Coastal Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Bayfront Park, from 9am-12pm. More details and public announcements will be posted closer to the event. We’d love to see you there again!

DUMPSTER DAY 2026 - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The City of Pinole’s annual Dumpster Day will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 7am-11am, at Pinole Valley Park’s baseball field parking lot across from Simas Avenue. More details and public announcements will be posted closer to the event. For information on which items are allowed, please email: publicworks@pinole.gov.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

The Community Services Department is excited to offer a variety of engaging sports and enrichment programs for youth ages 2–12! Offerings include outdoor family yoga, drumming, and soccer providing opportunities to build strength, confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Registration is required for all offerings and is now open at www.pinolerec.com.

ZUMBA AND EXERCISE

Get energized fitness and movement classes at the Senior Center (2500 Charles Ave.) Enjoy Turbo Kick, Zumba, Zumba Toning, along with Circuit & Fitness Training designed to keep you active and energized. Register for exercise classes at www.pinolerec.com or stop by the senior center front desk.

SWIM CENTER - NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER!

The Swim Center (2450 Simas Ave.) is open Tuesday through Sunday for the Summer season, now through August 16. Visitors can take part in rec swim, lap swim, aqua aerobics,  Zumba classes, and also reserve the pool for parties with friends and family. Swim lessons are currently open for registration at www.pinolerec.com. Additional information about all offerings can be found at www.pinole.gov/swimcenter. For questions, please contact pinoleseals.pool@gmail.com or (510) 724-9800.

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County will be providing free bags of fresh produce, on bag per household. The next drive-thru distribution is Monday, July 13, 2026, from 9-10am (or as long as supplies last) at the Pinole Senior Center. 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 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. 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.

PARK AND FACILITY RENTALS

Looking for a place to host your special event? Reserve a park, field, or facility for your special occasion! To book your rental, visit www.pinolerec.com.

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.

DONATIONS

Save good food from going to waste!
The app “Too Good To Go: End Food Waste” connects people with cafes, restaurants, bakeries and/or stores in their local area which have perfectly good food left over to save and enjoy at half of the price or less. This app is the world's largest marketplace for surplus food. It helps users rescue good food from going to waste, offering great value at local stores and eateries. Available to download via your app store on your phone, and check out their website as well: https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us