We Want to Hear From You!

GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK ON ROAD CONCEPTS FOR THE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Virtual and in-person Walk and Roll Pinole stations have been set up to further develop the City’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP). Visit either station to vote on your favorite future concept for different roads which integrate an active transportation network as well as share your top priorities in the ATP. An ATP will foster a network to safely walk, bike and scoot. We are accepting feedback through May 31st.

VIRTUAL station: www.pinolespeaks.com/pinoleatp

IN-PERSON feedback station: City Hall (2131 Pear Street) M-Th 8am-4:30 pm

The Beat of Pinole

Watch Mayor Maureen Toms in the latest episode of The Beat of Pinole as she tells you about the latest news and updates about the City of Pinole. You'll see video footage from the Pinole Earth Walk, hear about the City's Prohousing status, and more. Produced by Pinole Community Television (PCTV).

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

City Council Meeting – Tuesday, June 4, 5pm – Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting – Monday, June 10, 7pm – Zoom/City Hall

TAPS Committee Meeting – Wed, June 12, 6pm – Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting – Tuesday, June 18, 5pm – Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting – Mon, June 24, 7pm – Zoom/City Hall

Community Services Commission Meeting –Wed, June 26, 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

WCCC Career Fair - Wed, May 29, 10am-1pm - Hercules Community Center

Pinole Pride & Juneteenth Celebration - Sun, June 9, 12-3pm - Fernandez Park

Food Distribution - Mon, June 10, 2024, 9-10am Senior Center

Coffee with the City - Wed, June 12, 8-10am - Starbucks on Pinole Valley Rd.

4th of July Celebration - Thurs, July 4, 7:30pm - Pinole Valley High School

CELEBRATE PRIDE AND JUNETEENTH AT FERNANDEZ PARK

On Sunday, June 9^th from 12pm- 3pm, we will be hosting the second annual City of Pinole Pride and Juneteenth Celebration at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Avenue). Join us for a day of celebration, live music, performances, children’s activities, food trucks, local organizations & vendors, and more! If you are interested in tabling at our event, please email recreation@ci.pinole.ca.us

Inside the Council Chambers

The Anti-tobacco Youth Ambassadors wait excitedly for their turn to present during the council meeting.

The Pinole City Council issued the following proclamations: National Public Works Week, Jewish American Heritage Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Emergency Medical Services Week and Local and Community History Month.

HIGHLIGHTS

Student ambassadors of the Youth Anti-tobacco Program spoke at the council chambers podium for their very first time on Tuesday. They presented an update on their program development, which began in the latter part of 2023. Each ambassador explained their methods for message development, outreach, and the importance of teamwork to reach their goals. Follow their progress on Instagram @tobaccofreepinole. 

Commander Crone of the Pinole Police Department (PD) led a community engagement hearing to receive feedback on the Annual Military Equipment Use Report that is required by AB 481. The public asked questions about under what conditions an Unmanned Ariel System (UAS), commonly referred to as a drone, would be used and its capabilities of thermal imaging. Commander Crone reported that the police department would not be authorized to utilize a UAS or thermal imaging for general observation, and they are only allowed to use a UAS under conditions and circumstances permitted under the law and in accordance with policy, which includes authorization from a judge. He explained that the PD could have a need to deploy an UAS in a tactical situation where it would be advantageous to obtain an aerial or remote view of the situation, such as an active shooter or hostage situation, and they would not be allowed to do so without prior approval. 

FINANCIAL DECISIONS TO BE MADE

The preliminary fiscal year (FY) 2024/25 budget was presented by Finance Director Guillory to show City Council the revised budget with the requested 6% department budget decrease. In response to her report, council asked staff to provide more details about what specific items would be removed with the 6% and a 10% budget decrease scenario. Decreasing a department budget by 10% would require staff to cut their department operating budgets by up to $1,000,000. The directed budget cuts apply to operating expenses funded by the general fund, which comes from taxes collected in Pinole and is used to provide essential City services and maintenance.

Council had a discussion regarding plans and projects still pending, such as the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, that would require the addition of a staff person to implement the plan. Several members of council agreed that the decision to make budget cuts is difficult. Council voted for staff to bring back a revised baseline budget which includes more detail and deploy a budget simulation through public input to collect quantitative data from residents. Council also asked staff to bring back a summary of projects not yet started along with their funding source so they can start reviewing unencumbered projects.

In previous council meetings, the issue of decreased revenue and increasing expenditures has been discussed along with the long-term financial plans. Staff was directed to research and identify potential revenue sources, which included tax increases that could potentially be on the November ballot. Even though the City is looking to close a $1.3 million gap in the FY 24/25 budget, the City's finances remain stable. The City of Pinole maintains a robust 50% general reserve balance, which is significantly higher than most cities where the best practice is to maintain a 18-20% general reserve balance. 

Following the budget discussion, Public Works Director Mishra presented the Capital Improvement Plan, which contains a list of queued projects like Skate Park improvements, sewer pump station rehabilitation, and numerous streets and roads projects including the San Pablo Avenue Bridge replacement. Staff asked council to provide direction for changes to incorporate into the next draft of the document, the Revised Proposed version. Council responded with a motion which directed staff to create a Waterfall chart to show the budget/stage and actual spending for projects. 

The full meeting agenda packet, details, and documents, including presentations and video can be found on our website.

News & Updates

SEEKING PARADE PARTICIPANTS

We are organizing the City of Pinole’s Fourth of July parade and are looking for local organizations who enrich the Pinole community who wish to represent in a proud way! A parade is a festive way to engage with your community by calling attention to your mission. The parade will take place on Thursday, July 4th around 8:30pm around the illuminated Pinole Valley High School track, just before an amazing drone light show. Due to campus restrictions, no animals, motor vehicles, bicycles or skateboards are allowed on the track.

If your group is interested in participating, please contact Fiona Epps, Assistant to the City Manager, fepps@ci.pinole.ca.us or call (510)724-9830.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS WITH PINOLE PERKS

The City of Pinole is excited to announce the return of the beloved Pinole Perks program! This initiative aims to support our local small businesses by encouraging residents to shop right here in Pinole. When you shop locally, you’re not only helping our community thrive but also enjoying some fantastic perks for yourself!

We're relaunching Pinole Perks until June 2025, thanks to a generous $25,000 contribution from the City. Here's how it works: for a limited time, with every purchase, you can receive bonus gift cards. Check out the deals:

• FREE $50 Pinole Perks bonus card with every original $200 gift card purchase,
• FREE $37.50 Pinole Perks bonus card with every $150 gift card purchase,
• FREE $25 Pinole Perks bonus card with every $100 gift card purchase,  
• FREE $20 Pinole Perks bonus card with every $80 gift card purchase,  
• FREE $12.50 Pinole Perks bonus card with every $50 gift card purchase. 

But hurry – these bonus gift cards are available only while funds last. Visit our website to get started. Let’s shop local and support our community together!

Sparky the Con Fire firehouse dog doing his part to abate weeds. 

WEED ABATEMENT DEADLINE IS JUNE 1ST

As the weather gets warmer, the vegetation that grew throughout the winter will dry out and increase the risk of fires in our community. Property owners are responsible for eliminating combustible debris and vegetation, such as overgrown weeds, to reduce the risk of structure fires and wildfire. Fire Personnel and Code Enforcement work together to conduct inspections of properties for compliance with weed abatement requirements, which include:

• Cut and maintain weeds within three (3) inches off the ground;
• Large properties (5 acres and above) require a minimum of 30 feet of defensible space around the perimeter of the property and fire breaks of at least 20 feet wide every 5 acres throughout the property;
• Road rights-of-way shall be cleared to a minimum of 10 feet horizontally from the edge of the driving surface and 13 feet and 6 inches vertically.

If you did not attend the Wildfire Preparedness Town Hall Meeting, you can watch the video (starring Sparky the firehouse dog) for helpful information on how you can keep your home and loved ones safe this fire season. 

To file a complaint reporting fire hazards, call (510) 724-CODE or email codeenf@ci.pinole.ca.us. June 3, 2024 is the weed abatement deadline for Pinole. For more information on weed abatement, including contractor lists, visit Con Fire's website. 

Map showing the sanitary rehabilitation project site on Orleans Drive.

SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT IS READY TO BEGIN

Beginning around late May - early June the City of Pinole will be conducting the first phase of a sewer project that will replace aging Sanitary Sewer pipes as identified in the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan. This project will upsize the sanitary sewer mains on Orleans Drive between Zoe Court and Tennent Ave. Work will occur Monday – Friday between the hours of 7 AM – 5 PM. Road closures and traffic control will be in place to outside traffic (non-residents) on Orleans Drive at the project site during construction hours. This phase of the project is expected to be completed during Fall 2024. For more information about the project, visit our website. 

7-ELEVEN OPENING IS PUSHED TO THE END OF JUNE

The new 7-eleven on Appian Way finally has power, after waiting several months for PG&E to install. The City has begun to do final preliminary inspections last week. The City has been informed that the business is projected to oepn at the end of June, pending an AT&T pole that needs to be moved. The contractor has submitted a request to AT&T and is awaiting a response. 

Photo courtesy of East Bay Regional Park District

TICK SEASON ADVISORY

East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) issued a press release informing us that people should be wary of ticks in nearby open spaces or even in our own yards. EBRPD reported that ticks often present in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas in the spring, summer and fall seasons. Ticks carry germs that can cause disease, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be treated and cured with early diagnosis, but if it is not properly treated, it may persist in the body for many years. Visit www.bayarealyme.org for more information.

Below are some tick safety tips and instruction for what to do if you're bitten by a tick from EBRPD:

Tick Safety Tips

1. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes.
2. Tuck shirt into pants, and pants into socks.
3. Use insect repellent on shoes, socks and pants.
4. LCheck yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks thoroughly and frequently.
5. Keep children and pets nearby. For maximum safety, keep your dog on a leash.
6. Avoid placing your hands or feet where you cannot see clearly.
7. Stay on trails. Avoid brushy and grassy areas. 

If bitten by a tick, EBRPD says to pull the tick gently from the skin using a tissue or tweezers and scrape to remove any mouthparts left behind (a credit card can be used to scrape). Wash your hands and the tick bite site with soap and water and apply antiseptic to the bite. See a physician immediately if you develop symptoms such as a spreading rash accompanied by fever, aches and/or fatigue. More information on snakes and wildlife encounters.

Announcements

A Greener Pinole

CITY CONSIDERS ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

A public hearing and first reading of a single-use plastics (SUP) draft ordinance will be conducted at the June 4th City Council meeting. The draft ordinance, spurred by the detrimental health and environmental impacts of SUP, is a product of a year and a half engagement process. Equitable legislation was formulated and fine-tuned based on input and feedback from Pinole businesses, the community, the Municipal Code Subcommittee, the City’s waste hauler Republic Services and jurisdictions with similar regulation. The ordinance would require all food providers to convert all single-use plastic foodware to compostable and/or reusable foodware as well as require all retailers and food providers to convert all single-use plastic bags to paper bags. The conception of the ordinance always kept the impact to businesses in mind and components of the ordinance to mitigate these impacts reflect that. These features include longer transition periods for eligible businesses, optional takeout fees, partial/full waivers, allowance of consumer-owned reusables, and more. Weigh in on the draft ordinance. Thanks in advance!

VIEW PINOLE’S FIRST EVER CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN

After two years of outreach and engagement, the City of Pinole is proud to release the public review draft of its first ever Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The draft CAAP will detail measures to get Pinole to zero carbon emissions by the year 2045 using trackable actions in various sectors such as building decarbonization, renewable energy sourcing, clean transportation, water conservation, climate resilience and more. The CAAP will also focus on equity to ensure disadvantaged communities are provided the same advantage of mitigating and becoming resilient to the impacts of climate change. Please review the draft CAAP and provide comments to continue to refine the CAAP into its final shape so it is implementable, actionable, and a reflection of you. Comment period will be through the end of May, so make sure your voices are heard today!

Reminders

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS

School is almost out. What are your kids doing this summer? There are tons of options for awesome summer camps that will get your kids moving and having a blast! New summer camp programs have been added due to popular demand! Sign up your kids while there are spaces still available.

For the younger children, Tiny Tots offers a wonderful "Let's Go Camping" summer adventure planned for children 3 ½ to 5 years.  Children will have fun learning about all things camping through arts and crafts, music, and story time.  Children must turn 3 by December 1, 2023 and completely potty trained to participate.  Registration opens to the public on May 1, 2024, at 6 a.m.  See our flyer for complete details.  Please contact Ms. Christine at Tinytots@ci.pinole.ca.us with any questions. 

Go to https://pinolerec.recdesk.com/Community/Program to see the list of all our summer camps and to register for the camps or to register for the Tiny Tots summer program.