Greetings from the City Manager

Happy Labor Day, Pinole!

I can’t believe it’s already been two months since I started here in this wonderful city! Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many residents and getting to know our talented staff. 

As we enter Labor Day weekend, I hope you have an opportunity to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy all that Pinole has to offer. Labor Day also gives us an opportunity to recognize the people whose hard work, skill, and dedication keep our community moving forward, including the city employees who proudly serve Pinole every day.

City Council meetings play an important role in shaping Pinole’s future.  At the upcoming September 15th City Council meeting you will get an update on Roads.  Major pavement rehabilitation work will begin in mid-September on Shea Drive and Pinole Valley Road and continue through November. I also encourage you to attend the September 23rd Finance Subcommittee Meeting, where you can share your ideas and help shape the future of Pinole.

As you plan for the holiday weekend, please travel safely, stay attentive to pedestrians and bicyclists, and take care of one another. May your Labor Day be filled with peace, gratitude, and the joy of time with loved ones.

We Want to Hear From You

If you cannot attend the Artifical Intelligence (AI) Policy Workshop, we encourage you to complete our brief survey.

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Committee - Wed, Sept. 9, 6-7:30pm - Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Sept. 14, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Sept. 15, 5:30pm - Zoom/City Hall

Finance Subcommittee Meeting - Wed, Sept. 23, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

Community Services Commission - Wed, Sept. 23, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall - CANCELED

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Sept. 28, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Wastewater Subcommittee Meeting - Thurs, Oct. 15, 7-8:30pm - 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

City Hall Art Exhibit Reception - Tues, Sept. 15, 4-5pm - City Hall

Blood Drive - Thurs, Sept. 17, 9am-3pm - Youth Center

Coastal Cleanup Day - Sat, Sept. 19, 9am-12pm - Bayfront Park

AI Policy Workshop - Tues, Sept. 22, 6-8pm - 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

Councilmembers awarded the Building Staff Appreciation Day Proclamation to Keith Marks, Chief Building Official and Joanna Nunes, Permit Technician I.

At the September 1st, 2026 meeting, City Council recognized Building Staff Appreciation Day and Rosh Hashanah with proclamations. 

Interim Public Works Director Brown reports on planned Road Rehabilitation segments during the council meeting. 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM COUNCIL

Matthew Brown, recently appointed Interim Public Works Director, gave a presentation to council about Public Works Department staffing and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects updates. The Public Works Department has been experiencing extreme staffing shortages in the Engineering & Administrative Division due to recent resignations for reasons ranging from personal reasons to professional advancement. These departures have impacted operations, particularly in permit processing. Brown explained that while they still have three vacant positions in the Engineering & Administration Division, two new Public Works Specialists will be starting in mid-September to early October. He further explained that they will be utilizing on-call contracts for staff augmentation and support while they work to fill the vacant positions.

Despite staffing shortages, Public Works managed to repair 157 potholes in the month of June as part of the Road Maintenance Plan and repaired several areas in all 5 zones including on San Pable Avenue, Tara Hills Drive, Henry Street, and Sarah Drive.

Brown reported on the status of several anticipated CIP projects that will address parks, facilities, and roads. He explained that residents can look forward to several park improvements which will be funded through Growth Impact Fees. The City will use $600,000 in Climate Implementation Grant funding along with $75,000 in Measure S funds to build EV Charging Infrastructure. As for roads, Brown reported several major improvement projects planned to commence this fiscal year:

• Replacement of the San Pablo Avenue bridge (Planning Phase)
• Traffic Control and Safety Improvements on San Pablo Avenue
• Tennent Avenue/Bay Trail Gap Closure Crossing over the railroad
• Road Rehabilitation on Pinole Valley Road, Shea Drive, and Marlesta Road.

Road rehabilitation improvements on Shea will span approximately half a mile of roads, and will include new pavement, curb ramps, parabolic speed bumps, ADA compliant ramps, and raised crosswalks within the work sections. Shea Drive construction will take place between Pinole Valley Road all the way to Sarah Drive starting with concrete work, then crews will come back to do final paving during the month of October. 

Next up will be pavement rehabilitation on Pinole Valley Road on the north side of Simas to the Pinole Creek bridge south of Wright Avenue, smoothing approximately 1.1 miles of road. After that, the City will address Marlesta Road, spanning from Appian Way to just past Marionola Way, which will rehabilitate another 0.15 miles. 

Watch the meeting video. 

Pictured from left to right: Chief Klawuhn, Officer Galindo-Perez, Officer Sykes-Miller, Officer Roberts with K9 Bruno, Offficer Hastings, Community Safety Specialist Cheyne and Commander Oviatt. 

BADGE PINNING CEREMONY

The Pinole Police Department held an intimate badge-pinning ceremony on Tuesday, September 1st to honor new officers and those who have been promoted into new positions within the agency. New hires included Officers Galindo-Perez, Sykes-Miller, Hastings and K9 Bruno, who is in training to become a narcotics detection canine. Community Safety Specialist Cheyne and Sergeant Dean (not pictured above) were promoted. The ceremony celebrated their commitment to the department with family members present to be part of this special occasion. 

A Message from the Mayor

Watch Mayor Anthony Tave's important message about back to school safety.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION AROUND PINOLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Pinole Police Department has increased traffic enforcement around local schools. In particular, officers conducted 44 enforcement efforts near the Pinole Middle School since August 18, issuing 13 citations. With six schools citywide, officers are actively supporting traffic safety during peak drop‑off and pick‑up hours. Pinole PD will also be increasing enforcement of illegal left‑turns into school zones, illegal U‑turns in front of schools, and driver drop‑offs in red zones to improve student and pedestrian safety.

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Commission (TAPS) has reviewed this corridor multiple times, including meetings on July 26, 2023, and October 11, 2023, and will revisit it again on September 9. Based on TAPS feedback, Public Works has implemented several improvements, including new “No Left Turn” signage on Mann Drive, extended red curbing near the Middle School, a designated drop‑off zone, added double‑yellow striping, additional turn‑restriction signage, and new pavement legends at key intersections to improve visibility and driver awareness.

These combined enforcement efforts and infrastructure updates aim to improve safety around our schools and reduce congestion during busy student commute hours. Parents and caregivers – please continue to drive safely and practice safe drop off and pick-up procedures to keep children and families safe.

News & Updates

A cat enjoys the sun while laying on a sewer manhole. 

AN UPDATE ON SEWER LATERALS

The City is implementing important updates to clarify ordinance requirements related to sewer lateral compliance. Effective August 18, 2026, the Department of Public Works (DPW) has adjusted its building permit review process to ensure consistency and proper oversight:

• Building permits that include a plan review component, with respect to sewer lateral review, will be routed to DPW for plan check only under the following conditions:
  • The installation of two or more additional plumbing facilities. (i.e. new bath and laundry - NOT interior remodel with no plumbing additions)
  • A change of use
  • Repair or replacement of a sewer lateral.
  • An application for a certificate of occupancy for a new building.
  • Building permit issuance for applicable projects will be held until the video is provided (through DPW plan check comments).
  • Final inspections for building permits will be held pending completion of sewer lateral repairs, if repairs are needed.

Alongside these updates, the City’s Sewer Lateral Rebate Program will resume in September following a temporary pause to allow for additional staffing. Applications submitted during the pause were securely date‑stamped and will be processed in the order received. The program offers substantial financial assistance to eligible residential properties, providing up to 50% of construction costs with refund limits ranging from $1,000 for repairs to $4,500 for full replacements depending on project scope. These rebates are intended to support homeowners in maintaining safe and compliant sewer systems.

The City is also exploring options for a voluntary insurance program to help residents cover exterior water and sewer line repairs, with plan costs varying by provider and location. As we continue to refine policies and resources, public education will remain central to our efforts. A comprehensive communications plan is in development to provide clear explanations, financial assistance information, and timely updates across multiple channels, including the City’s website, social media, and utility bill inserts.

A happy blood donor after giving life-saving blood. 

CITY OF PINOLE ANNUAL STAFF & COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

The City of Pinole invites staff and community members to participate in our Annual Staff & Community Blood Drive in honor of Blood Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Pinole Youth Center (635 Tennent Ave).

Appointments and identification are required to donate. Register at www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code PCYC. To save time, donors are encouraged to complete a RapidPass before their appointment. Your donation can help make a difference in the lives of patients and families in our community. Please consider donating and help us make this year’s blood drive a success!

CRACK SEALING WORK TO BEGIN SOON

Crack sealing work is set to begin soon as the City wraps up servicing its crack seal machine. In about two weeks, crews will start treating streets with a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 69 or higher. Crack sealing is a practical pavement preservation method that fills asphalt or concrete cracks to prevent water intrusion, slow deterioration, and extend pavement life by an additional three to five years. By addressing these streets now, our paving contractors can concentrate their efforts on the roads in the poorest condition and the major arterials most in need of repair. By the next Council Meeting on September 15th, staff expect to have a finalized list of the streets scheduled for paving in Fall 2026, to ensure that the community knows what improvements to expect and when.

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Get ready to take your business to new heights! Join us on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 10am-1pm at the Berkeley Country Club (7901 Cutting Blvd. El Cerrito), for the West County Business Roundtable: “Taking Your Business to the Next Level." This collaborative event—hosted by West County cities and Contra Costa County partners—brings together a powerhouse lineup of free resources for local businesses.

Discover funding opportunities, employer tax credits, management tools, workforce training, startup guidance, marketing support, and more. Whether you’re looking to grow, streamline, or strengthen your business, this workshop offers invaluable insights and connections to help you thrive. This event is highly recommended for all small businesses in West Contra Costa—don’t miss it! Register now. 

A Greener Pinole

Volunteers help pick up trash along Pinole shores on Coastal Cleanup Day. 

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY IS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Join us at Bayfront Park on Saturday, September 19th between 9am and 12pm for Coastal Cleanup Day. This is a statewide effort to beautify our California coastlines. Join dozens of local volunteers in cleaning up litter from Pinole Shores. By doing so, you’re not just protecting wildlife on land — you’re helping safeguard the countless species that depend on the sea. This is an amazing and fun way to earn community service hours for school, or simply be a good steward in our community.

A proud volunteer stands next to several bags cleaned up from Pinole Creek around Fernandez Park.

POUNDS OF TRASH REMOVED FROM FERNANDEZ PARK

The Friends of Pinole Creek had a successful cleanup at Fernandez Park on Saturday, August 15th. A total of 34 volunteers attended, including many first-timers, several families, a team from Target, and a group of Kiwins from PVHS. Although the overall collection measured 53 gallons (78.7 pounds), volunteers focused on removing countless small pieces of plastic—debris that otherwise would have eventually made its way into the bay. Volunteer Mike Buono expressed that it was incredibly rewarding work. Thank you Friends of Pinole Creek for your stewardship!

NO-COST ENERGY UPGRADES AVAILABLE

The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) – Northern Region program offers no-cost energy upgrades to income-qualified households in select Northern California communities. These upgrades help make homes more comfortable and efficient by replacing old gas appliances with cleaner electric equipment. Depending on your home, upgrades may include a heat pump water heater, efficient heating and cooling system, clothes dryer, induction cooktop or range, smart thermostat, electrical panel or wiring updates, and other improvements. 

The Equitable Building Decarbonization Program is overseen by the California Energy Commission and administered by the Association for Energy Affordability in the northern California region. The program is part of California Climate Investments, which uses billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to fund projects that reduce harmful emissions, protect public health, strengthen local economies, and support natural environments. With a strong focus on communities most impacted by pollution and limited access to resources, California Climate Investments helps build a more equitable and sustainable future. Partial funding is provided by the Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Rebate Program, subject to approval by the U.S. Department of Energy. Learn more here: Equitable Building Decarbonization.

Reminders

CITY OF PINOLE MOBILE APP TO BE DISCONTINUED

The City of Pinole Mobile App will be discontinued and no longer available for use on September 8, 2026. While the app is no longer available, residents can continue to access all City information on our website, including news, upcoming events, meeting agendas, recreation programs, PCTV livestreams, and tools to report issues: Pinole.gov

We strongly encourage everyone to sign up for Community Warning System alerts to stay informed during emergencies: https://cwsalerts.com/registration/

OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE YOUR VOICE ON PINOLE'S 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. 

Public comment is always welcomed during City Council meetings. 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. Meeting agendas can be found online and posted at City Hall.

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.

FREE COMPOST AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND

The Public Works Department is pleased to announce the establishment of a new compost hub for residential use. The hub is located in the parking lot adjacent to the Pinole Valley Park baseball field. This compost hub was created in cooperation with neighboring local agencies to support compliance with State composting law, SB 1383, which requires the reuse of organic materials. Items such as yard clippings, brush, tree trimmings, and food waste collected in residential green carts reduces the amount of material sent to landfills. Once collected, these materials are locally processed into nutrient‑rich compost suitable for planting, soil enhancement, and a variety of gardening needs. The compost is free for all residents and available on a self-serve, first‑come, first‑served basis. The hub will be restocked as needed to maintain a consistent supply. Contact Public Works if you have any questions.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Fall Fun Starts Here! Community Services offers engaging sports and enrichment programs for youth ages 3–12, including Kids’ and Family Yoga and Soccer Programs. Build strength, flexibility, confidence, coordination, teamwork, and mindfulness—all while having fun and making new friends! Registration is now open at PinoleRec.com. Spots may be limited, sign up today!

TINY TOTS PROGRAMS

Registration is now open for the Tiny Tots Fall Afternoon Adventures (Monday–Friday, 12:00pm–4:00pm)! This program provides children ages 3–5 opportunities to create, explore, and play through engaging activities and active play. Children must be toilet-trained to register. Limited afternoon spaces are still available—register today. Visit www.pinolerec.com to register. For questions, contact Tiny Tots at (510) 724-8965 or tinytots@pinole.gov.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR REGISTRATION

Mark your calendars! The Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 14 at the Senior Center. Registration opens for Senior Center Members on Monday, August 17, and for the general public on Tuesday, August 18. Vendor fees are $40 for Senior Center members and $50 for the general public. To register, visit www.pinolerec.com. If you have any questions, please email mjamison@pinole.gov or call (510) 724-9800.

CITY HALL ART EXHIBIT

The Pinole Artisans are pleased to present their next art exhibit at City Hall. This one-artist exhibition features local East Bay artist Mike Delcollo (The Daydream Maker). A lifelong pursuit of fine arts has led Mike to painting and portraiture. He is proud to present Faces in Time: a collection of daydreams of people captured in time.

Please join us for an art reception on Tuesday, September 15, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at City Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the artist, view the exhibit, and learn more about the inspiration behind his work.

ZUMBA AND EXERCISE CLASSES

Get energized with 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

The Swim Center (2450 Simas Ave.) is open Saturday through Sunday for the Fall season, now through October 11. 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) 724-9026.

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.

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, September 14, 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.

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.

COASTAL CLEANUP 2026

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

Save the date for the City of Pinole’s annual Dumpster Day 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.

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