We Want to Hear From You

PINOLE BUDGET SURVEY - YOUR INPUT MATTERS!

The City of Pinole wants your feedback regarding the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Staff is presenting a list of project for Council to choose their priorities for this fiscal year 2025-2026. This includes major road repairs to improve safety and accessibility, upgrades to public facilities like parks and roads, and essential sewer compliance projects to protect our environment and public health. We invite you to attend our upcoming budget workshop or to complete our survey to support council in prioritizing our CIP projects. Deadline: May 12, 2025.

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

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

City Council Meeting - Tues, June 3, 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

Drive-thru Food Distribution – Mon, May 12, 10-11am - Senior Center

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

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

OTHER EVENTS

Bike to Wherever Day - Thurs, May 15, starts at 8am - Bay Area

Contra Costa Fish Migration Day – Sat, May 31, 10am-2pm - Pinole Fish Passage

Inside the Council Chambers

Pinole City Council presented the Public Works Week proclamation to Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy.

Pinole City Council recognized several proclamations in honor of the following: Municipal Clerk's Week, Economic Development Week, Public Works Week, Police Officer Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day, Public Service Recognition Week, and P-Lo Day. 

HIGHLIGHTS

At its May 6 meeting, the Pinole City Council reviewed the Preliminary Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and the draft five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), emphasizing that both documents are still in development in order to include Council and community feedback. The proposed $33.5 million budget outlines ongoing operating and capital needs, while the CIP includes $59 million in planned infrastructure investments over the next five years, targeting road rehabilitation, sewer upgrades, park improvements, and safety projects. Staff requested direction on Council priorities regarding the CIP and will present a revised CIP recommendation on May 13th at a special budget workshop.  

While supportive of the preliminary direction, the Council requested that staff return with detailed fiscal scenarios going into further detail on staff’s recommendations for several potential strategies before final adoption. These include reducing the reserve policy to transfer funds into the Section 115 Pension Trust; establishing a vehicle impact fee to help offset road maintenance costs; exploring debt financing for major infrastructure projects; and evaluating the impact of cost-of-living adjustments—estimated at $173,000 per 1% increase across all labor groups.

The City’s CalPERS obligations and pension funding strategy were also discussed, with staff recommending a recalibrated withdrawal approach from the $14.2 million Section 115 Pension Trust to better manage future costs. These recommendations will be discussed along with a revised CIP  at a special workshop on May 13, with a revised budget being presented on June 3rd, and final adoption expected at the second meeting in June. View the full meeting.

The Beat of Pinole

Click below to watch Mayor Sasai in this month's episode of The Beat of Pinole as he talks about upcoming speed limit changes, wildfire prevention, road repair planning and more. Video produced by Pinole Community Television.

News & Updates

P-Lo proudly holds up the Key to the City while on stage.

Mayor Sasai and P-Lo pose for photos after the Key to the City award.

CITY HONORS LOCAL RAP ARTIST P-LO WITH A KEY TO THE CITY

On his 34th birthday, May 7, 2025, the City of Pinole honored multi-platinum artist and community advocate Paulo Rodriguez, known professionally as P-Lo, with the Key to the City in a vibrant ceremony at Pinole Valley High School. Joined by students, residents, and city leaders including Mayor Cameron Sasai and Council Member Devin T. Murphy, the celebration highlighted P-Lo’s deep roots in Pinole and his influence in music and community engagement. In recognition of his contributions, the City Council also proclaimed May 7 as “P-Lo Day.” A proud Pinole native and PVHS graduate, P-Lo has earned national acclaim through his music and consistent advocacy for youth empowerment and cultural pride.

The Public Works team accepts Robert Walker's Service Recognition Award for his 45 years of service.

City Manager Young delivers a heartfelt tribute to Robert Walker.

ROBERT WALKER HONORED DURING PUBLIC SERVICE APPRECIATION WEEK

During Public Service Recognition Week, the City of Pinole honored the late Robert Walker, a beloved Public Works Maintenance employee who served the community with unwavering kindness, dedication, and leadership for an extraordinary 45 years—the longest tenure in city history. City Manager Kelcey Young presented the 2025 Public Service Recognition Award to the Public Works team on Robert’s behalf, delivering a heartfelt tribute that reflected his lasting impact on the city and those who worked alongside him. Though he passed away before he could accept the award in person, Robert’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the city he helped maintain with pride. The tribute was part of a weeklong celebration led by the City’s Human Resources Department to recognize the contributions of all City staff and to highlight the deep value of public service.

Public Works repairing areas on Pinole Valley Road near Ellerhorst Elementary School. 

ROAD REPAIR UPDATE

The City has completed road repair in several areas in Pinole. These are temporary repairs to improve the state of our roads while we plan pavement rehabilitation program that will cover more extensive work such as cape seal and slurry seal of whole roadway widths. A big shout out goes to our dedicated Public Works team who has been working hard to make our roads smoother. The following lists the areas that have completed road repairs in the last couple of months:

• Mann Drive-In front of Middle School                                                     
• Marlesta from Marionola to Appian Way                                               
• Shawn Drive from Tara Hills to Kittery Way                                           
• Wright Avenue at 2670 Wright Avenue                                                   
• Wright Avenue at the corner of Marcus.                                                
• Wright Avenue at the corner of Doidge Avenue                                  
• Wright Avenue from Doidge Avenue to Jordan Way                          
• Doidge Avenue from Wright Avenue to Victor                                     
• Victor Street from Doidge Avenue to Wright Avenue                        
• Jordan Way                                                                                                        
• Marcus Court from Doidge Avenue to End                                            
• San Pablo Avenue from Appian Way to Alvarez Avenue                   
• Pinole Valley Road from Colins Avenue to Colins Avenue                 
• Intersection of Fitzgerald Avenue and Appian Way                            
• Dolores Court                                   

Pinole Police Officers walk with student athletes at the Summer Special Olympics yesterday.

NATIONAL POLICE APPRECIATION WEEK IS MAY 11-17

Next week is National Police Appreciation Week. The City of Pinole proudly honors the dedicated members of the Pinole Police Department—true community advocates and protectors who serve with integrity, respect, professionalism and compassion. From patrolling neighborhoods and responding to emergencies, to mentoring youth and building trust through community engagement, our officers consistently go above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire department for making Pinole a safer, more connected, and resilient community. 

A Greener Pinole

An earth walk participant picks up trash along the Pinole Shores trail at Bayfront Park.

A group of happy community members pose for a picture before starting their walking pledge to protect the planet.

A young woman holds a red-tailed hawk during a wildlife education presentation in Fernandez Park.

City of Pinole Media and Communications Fellows lend a helping hand at the City's informational booth at the Pinole Earth Walk.

PINOLE COMMUNITY WALKS TOGETHER FOR EARTH DAY

On Saturday, April 19, the City of Pinole hosted the annual Earth Walk at Fernandez Park, bringing the community together to celebrate Earth Day with a 1.5-mile walking pledge along the creek and bay, followed by eco-themed activities, Dreambowlz refreshments, wildlife education, and more. There was a great turnout from the community of all ages. The event was organized in collaboration by the City's Community Service Department and Sustainability and Communications Divisions. The Pinole Earth Walk was a fun and impactful reminder that celebrated sustainability and community action.

Our friends at Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed generously lent out trash grabbers to help with cleanup—and a few of those grabbers may have accidentally walked away with participants. If you happened to bring one home, no worries! We’d love to get them back so they can continue helping keep Pinole beautiful. You can drop them off at City Hall, Monday–Thursday, 8 AM–4:30 PM (closed 12–1 PM).

BIKE TO WHEREVER DAY IS MAY 15

Join the Bay Area cycling community on Thursday, May 15, 2025, for Bike to Wherever Day- a celebration of sustainable transportation and community spirit! This year, West Contra Costa County is hosting more Energizer Stations than ever before, including locations at every BART station, the Richmond Ferry Terminal, three high schools and at Bayfront Park in Pinole. These stations will offer snacks, drinks, and limited-edition tote bags filled with good to energize your ride.

• Pledge to Ride: Commit to biking on May 15 and receive a digital map of 100+ Energizer Stations, exclusive discounts, event reminders, and automatic entries for prize giveaways, including Bike East Bay swag packs and Mike’s Bikes gift cards. Pledge Here.
• Win Prizes: At Contra Costa stations, scan QR codes to take a bicycle safety quiz for a chance to win one of five $20 Starbucks gift cards and enter a raffle for a $511 airline voucher.

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!

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. 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.