Greetings from the City Manager

Hello, Wonderful Pinole Residents!

As October draws to a close, Pinole is still brewing with spooky autumn spirit and a cauldron full of community events! I’m thrilled to share some fang-tastic opportunities to connect, celebrate, and haunt our vibrant city with Halloween cheer.

Tomorrow come support our local pop-ups, artists, and businesses for a fun-filled evening! Celebrate a special night food event hosted by Kitchen@812 on Community Corner in Downtown Pinole from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Uptown Yard and DIOSA will join in, collaborating with Pinole Artisans to offer kids’ activities and showcase local artists and craft vendors. Grab your foods and head to have a spooktacular night at Fernandez Park with the showing of Hocus Pocus 2 at approx. 6:15pm. Wear your Halloween costumes, bring your chairs, and blanket for a festive Halloween evening. Popcorn and candy will be provided!

Join us on October 28 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm for the Parklet & Outdoor Dining Workshop. The City working to create permanent opportunities that will support local restaurants, welcome more diners, and provide vibrant gathering spaces in the downtown area. We want to hear your thoughts – please join us in the conversation!

On November 11, from 11:00am - 12:30pm. Enjoy the City of Pinole’s 1st annual Veteran’s Day Celebration with a featured Flag Retirement Ceremony performed by Pinole Troop 82, veteran and community speeches, entertainment, and veteran resources at Fernandez Park.

Thank you for contributing to the lively spirit that makes Pinole a wonderful community to live in!

We Want to Hear From You

HOUSING COMMUNITY INPUT SURVEY

We'd like to hear your thoughts so our housing policies reflect your priorities. Complete this ten minute survey for a chance to win a $25 Pinole Perks gift card! By filling out the survey and providing your contact information, you’ll be entered into a random drawing for one of four Pinole Perks gift cards, redeemable at participating local businesses in Pinole.

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

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

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

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

City Council Meeting - Tues, Nov. 18, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Dec. 2, 5pm -  Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting  - Mon, Dec. 8, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

TAPS Committee Meeting - Wed, Dec. 10, 6-7:30pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Dec. 16, 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.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Halloween Movie: Hocus Pocus 2 - Fri, Oct. 24, 6-8pm - Fernandez Park

Street Eats - Fri, Oct. 24, 5-8pm - Community Corner (Tennent Ave at San Pablo Ave)

Veteran's Day Celebration - Tues. Nov. 11, 11-12:30pm - Fernandez Park

Safe & Ready Fire Extinguisher Use & Safety, Thurs, Nov. 13, 12-1:00pm - Pinole Senior Center

Holiday Craft Fair - Sat, Nov. 15, 10-3:00pm - Pinole Senior Center

Safe & Ready Emergency Preparedness - Thurs, Nov. 20, 12-1:00pm - Pinole Senior Center

Road Repair & Rehabilitation Town Hall - Thurs, Nov. 20, 5:30-7:30pm - Pinole Senior Center

Turkey Trot - Thurs, Nov. 27, 8:00am - Fernandez Park to Hercules and back

Holiday Tree Lighting Event - Sat, Dec. 6, 3-6:30pm - Fernandez Park

Holiday Breakfast - Sat, Dec. 13, 9-11:00am - Pinole Senior Center

Inside the Council Chambers

Pinole Valley High School students from the Native American Student Union, the Forensic Speech & Debate Club, and the Varsity Football team accepted the Indigenous Peoples Day Proclamation. 

City Council presented the Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month proclamation to former mayor Maria Alegria and Planning Commission Member Gabriel Sandoval. 

Police Chief Melissa Klawuhn thanked City Council for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation and spoke about her personal experience with breast cancer.

Mayor Sasai hands City Attorney Eric Casher the Filipino American History Month proclamation. Casher's Filipino grandfather served in the United States Army during World War II. 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM COUNCIL

Tuesday evening was filled with pride and appreciation for the contributions of our diverse community. Pinole City Council honored the following proclamations: Code Enforcement Officer Week, Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Filipino American History Month, and Larry Itliong Day. 

The Contra Costa Flood Control & Water Conservation District gave an informative presentation about this special district of California that works within unincorporated areas and cities. Mark Boucher, Senior Hydrologist, reported that they are responsible for maintaining approximately 1.5 miles of creak area which goes from San Pablo Bay to the southside of highway 80. He also informed council that there is a Data Collection Unit and Stream Gauge located above Pinole Creek near San Pablo Avenue, which contains a sensor that sends notification if the water level reaches flood stage. The public can access the RainMap by going to www.cccounty.us/RainMap where real time flood stages and rain levels can be viewed. This type of active monitoring helps the Flood Control & Water Conservation district provide a better flood emergency response. 

Chris Lawson from the Coalition for Justice and Equitable California (CJC) gave an informative presentation on the ongoing reparations efforts at the state level. His organization was instrumental in the creation of California’s Reparations Task Force in 2019, which was established to advance justice for the descendants of enslaved people whose forced labor helped build this country.

Mr. Lawson shared updates on several recent legislative actions. The governor recently acted on seven bills that stemmed from recommendations by the Reparations Task Force, including one authored by the Coalition itself.

• SB 437 authorizes a new reparations study led by California colleges to develop methods for verifying genealogical lineage and identifying descendants of enslaved people.
• SB 518 establishes a new state bureau to oversee and administer any future reparations programs.
• SB 515, written by the Coalition, requires cities to create a new data category to identify descendants of enslaved individuals, allowing for better tracking of disparities in education, health, housing, and other areas.

Mr. Lawson stated, "The Coalition for Justice and Equitable California ultimately seeks direct financial compensation - the return of stolen property and wages of the ancestors - owed to the descendents of those who were enslaved." Learn more about the CJC, how to get involved or make a donation on their website: www.cjec-official.org/

SHINING A LIGHT ON PINOLE'S AMAZING BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Diosa – Farm to Table

Join us in welcoming Diosa to Pinole, opening its doors in October 2025! Nestled in the historic Bank of Pinole downtown building, this vibrant new restaurant is a must-visit. Diosa partners with local farmers and vendors to bring fresh, farm-to-table dishes while uplifting our Pinole community. They’re open Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A culinary experience in a bank—how unique! Owned by Veronica Rivera, the visionary behind Love Apparent Senior Services LLC, which has provided exceptional care to Pinole’s elderly for 25 years, Diosa reflects her deep commitment to enriching our community. Stop by to savor delicious food and support this inspiring local business!

📍 Visit: 2361 San Pablo Ave, Pinole, CA 94564

Love Apparent Senior Services LLC –  Delivering exceptional care to Pinole's senior community since 2000

For over two decades, since the early 2000s, Love Apparent Senior Services LLC has been delivering top-tier care to Pinole's elderly residents. What makes them truly special? Their unwavering focus on compassion, dedication, and a deep-rooted passion for outstanding senior support. This year marks their 25th anniversary of excellence 🎉! Backed by more than 30 years of direct experience and visionary leadership in senior care, Founder and CEO Veronica Rivera has expanded her business into a reliable cornerstone, celebrated for its tailored, dignified, and expert services.

📍 Visit: 2643 Appian Way, Pinole, CA 94564

🌟 BE OUR NEXT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT!

We’re excited to launch Pinole’s Business Spotlight—a new way to highlight and celebrate the incredible businesses that make our community unique.

Each edition of the Pinole Pulse will feature:

• One new business bringing fresh energy to town, and
• One long-standing business we know and love

Sharing something exciting—like a grand opening, special offer, or anniversary? We’d be proud to spotlight your story in the Pinole Pulse!

Interested in being featured?

Submit your interest to be considered for an upcoming spotlight. To qualify, businesses must:

• Hold a valid City of Pinole business license
• Have no open code enforcement cases

Let’s celebrate Pinole’s vibrant business community—one spotlight at a time!

The Beat of Pinole

Watch Mayor Cameron Sasai in the October episode of The Beat of Pinole as he gives an update on roads, Pinole's Clean CA designation, and more!

News & Updates

PINOLE STANDS UNITED AGAINST HATE

United Against Hate Week runs from October 19–25, 2025, bringing communities together to reject hate, bias, and discrimination in all forms. The campaign encourages kindness, equity, and respect—values that make Pinole a stronger, more inclusive community. Throughout the week, residents can visit City Hall, the Pinole Library, or the Senior Center during business hours to take the United Against Hate pledge.

This week’s activities included a City Council proclamation on Tuesday, October 21; a Pledge Drive at Contra Costa College, and a special Story Time and Unity Walk at the Pinole Library. The Lam-Julian Foundation will be at the Pinole Farmers Market on Saturday, October 25th to give out free resources. Learn more about UAHW and find resources on our website: www.pinole.gov/our-community/pinole-stands-united/

City staff from the Community Development Department pose proudly after achieving the highest score.

City staff from Public Works, Finance and the City Clerk's office at the Strike Out Breast Cancer fundraiser employee event. 

CITY EMPLOYEES BOWLED TO STRIKE OUT BREAST CANCER

City of Pinole employees had a great time coming together for a good cause during a friendly bowling fundraiser at Pinole Valley Lanes, raising money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Laughter, teamwork, and a little friendly competition made for a memorable event, all in the spirit of giving back. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated to help fund life-saving research, education, and support for those affected by breast cancer. Together, we’re striking out cancer and showing that awareness and early detection truly save lives.

Mel Orpilla, Senior District Representative for U.S. Congressman John Garamendi, gave a brief overview on the history of Filipinos in the United States. Mr. Orpilla helped bring federal recognition to Filipino American History Month.

Young dancers perform a traditional Filipino dance during the FAHM celebration at the Pinole Senior Center. 

PINOLE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES FILIPINO AMERICAN CULTURE AND HISTORY

Dozens of community members gathered to celebrate Filipino American History Month (also known as FAHM), honoring the rich heritage and lasting impact of Pinole’s vibrant Filipino American community. The event featured traditional dances, martial arts demonstrations by Upakan Barabara, live music, and inspiring keynote speakers including Johnny Itliong, Hon. Ben Reyes II, and Mel Orpilla, who shared the powerful history and legacy of Filipino Americans. Pinole’s first Filipino American Mayor, Devin Sasai, presented the Filipino American History Month proclamation and recognized Larry Itliong Day as October 25, highlighting the many ways Filipino Americans have shaped both local and national history. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this uplifting celebration of culture, community, and pride in Pinole.

FREE BIKE REPAIR WORKSHOP SUNDAY OCTOBER 26

Head over to Rich City Rides (1500 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond) this Sunday to learn how to repair your bike! Volunteers will be teaching particpants how to do basic repairs and tuneups for flat tires, brake adjustment, alignment, oil and lube, pedal tightening, relinking chains, and wheel and inner tube replacement. All ages are welcome! No e-bikes accepted. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.RecycleMore.com/102625

A Greener Pinole

Community volunteers gather before planting native plants by the Pinole Creek. Photo courtesy of Friends of Pinole Creek.

PINOLE CREEK AND NATIVE GARDEN CLEANED BY 27 VOLUNTEERS

The Pinole Creek Cleanup and Library Native Garden Event was a great success last weekend! Twenty-seven volunteers came together at the Pinole Library and Pinole Creekside Park sites, removing 89 pounds of small trash, a discarded printer and stand weighing 53 pounds, and several bags of construction debris—over 90 gallons of waste in total. Volunteers, including participants from San Pablo, were impressed by the strong partnership between the City and community members, noting how collaboration and civic pride make Pinole such a special place to live and volunteer.

Reminders

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU)

Check out the Pinole ADU Concierge page - your one-stop shop for building and legalizing ADUs! Explore the ADU Campaign page with office hour and webinar updates, surveys, and upcoming newsletters. Scan the QR codes or click the links to visit each site and get informed today!

STREET EATS POP-UP NIGHT

Get ready for final series of Street Eats Pop-Up Night event, hosted by Kitchen@812 and Pinole Artisans on Friday, October 24 from 5–8 PM in Downtown Pinole! This vibrant celebration brings together delicious food, local art, and community spirit for an unforgettable evening.

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”

How to submit a request through the City of Pinole app:

1. Click on “Contact us”
2. Click on “Report an Issue”
3. Click on “Report a Public Property Issue”
4. 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!

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!

HALLOWEEN MOVIE

Enjoy a spooktacular night at Fernandez Park with the showing of Hocus Pocus 2 on Friday, October 24 at approx. 6:15pm. Wear your Halloween costumes, bring your chairs, and blankets for a festive Halloween evening. Popcorn and candy will be provided! For questions, please email recreation@pinole.gov.

FALL AT TINY TOTS

Join the fun at Tiny Tots , where children ages 3–5 (fully potty trained) learn through play, crafts, songs, and story time. Register today at www.pinolerec.com.
 

FALL CAMPS

Enjoy Fall Camps for ages 3 -5 at Tiny Tots and 6-12 at the Youth Center from November 24-26. Bask in a 3-day autumn adventure filled with days of creativity, games, and outdoor play. Secure your spot at www.pinolerec.com.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY YOGA

Bring the family together for movement and mindfulness by joining Yoga Classes this fall. Certified instructors blend play, focus, and balance in a fun environment.  Now offering children’s classes for ages 4-10 and family classes for all to enjoy! Don’t miss the fun—sign up today at www.pinolerec.com.

MARTIAL ARTS

Get Your Kicks with Martial Arts!  Join SAMA Martial Arts Academy instructors for an introductory class in proper technique and movements in a structured environment at the Youth Center. Register today at www.pinolerec.com. 

VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION

The City of Pinole’s 1st Annual Veterans Day Celebration will be held on Tuesday, November 11, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Fernandez Park. The event features a Flag Retirement Ceremony by Pinole Troop 82, veteran and community speeches, entertainment, and veteran resources. Veterans are invited to share their voices in this celebration. If you would like to share your story or words with the community, please reach out to recreation@pinole.gov. 
 

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

The Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Senior Center. Come shop from local vendors and discover unique gifts for everyone on your list! Questions, call 510-724-9800 or email mjamison@pinole.gov. 
 

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, November 10, 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. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, October 28, from 10 - 11am. 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. Please note, the Senior Food Program is switching to the choice method, where you will now need to bring your own bag with you, and you will select the items you want.
 

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!
From the Public Works Department: Sand and Sandbags are now available again! They are located in the public parking lot at the end of Prune and Pear Streets (at St. Joseph’s School). Please only fill bags up to 2/3rds with sand for maximum effectiveness. Please leave the area clean and usable for others. We would also kindly like to ask to only use the sand and bags for your private use, as supplies are limited. Thank you!