We Want to Hear from You!

The City Council has initiated a recruitment for a new City Manager.  The City Manager is appointed by the City Council and is responsible for addressing the priorities established by the Council and overseeing the day-to-day operations of our municipal government.  We are interested in obtaining feedback from the community to guide our recruitment and selection strategies.  Please take a few moments to respond to our brief survey.

City Manager Recruitment Community Survey

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning  Commission - Mon, Mar. 25, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Community Services Commission Meeting –Wed, March 27, 5pm – Zoom/City Hall

Finance Subcommittee Meeting – Wed, March 27, 3pm - Zoom/City Hall

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

Planning  Commission - Mon, April 8, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

TAPS Meeting - Wed, April 10, 6pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, April 16, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

Planning  Commission - Mon, April 22, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Community Services Commission - Wed, April 24, 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

City Manager Recruitment “Listening Session” - Sat, Mar. 23, 10-11:30am - Senior Center

Food Distribution – Mon, April 8, 2024, 9-10am - Senior Center

Coffee with the City - Wed. April 10, 8-10am – East Bay Coffee

Tiny Tots Open House - Sat. Apr. 13, 9am-12pm - Tiny Tots, 2454 Simas Ave.

Earth Day Story Time - Thurs. April 18, 10:30am - Pinole Library

Pinole Earth Walk - Sat, Apr. 20, 9am-12pm - Fernandez Park

Station 74 Open House - Sat. May 11, 10am-2pm - 3700 Pinole Valley Rd.

Please note that City of Pinole offices and facilities will be closed in observance of Cesar Chavez Day on Friday, March 29th 2024.

Inside the Council Chambers

The Pinole City Council recognized Nowruz and César Chávez Day with proclamations during the Council Meeting on Tuesday. Everyone in the chambers witnessed a delightful performance by chamber guests in honor of Nowruz. Nowruz is the Persian New Year which is based on the Spring equinox and celebrated by millions of people worldwide.

Pictured above is a slide from the City branding presentation which shows examples of the new logo paired with portraits of Pinoleans.

The new City logo, seal, and branding guidelines were revealed. Pinole City Council unanimously voted to establish the new brand. Assistant to the City Manager Epps explained that over the past 11 months, the City Seal Ad Hoc Subcommittee has worked closely with staff to gather input from the community and members of the Nations of Lisjan about ideas which determined the conceptual direction for the new logo and seal.

The new logo stands modern and proud, looking to the future. The design features a wave of water adorned with a triangle pattern that references the basket artistry of the Ohlone. An iconic “O” in “PINOLE” uses a basket pattern to frame scenery that resonates with Pinoleans.

Both the seal and logo designs depict a hawk flying into a peaceful valley of oak trees and rolling hills. The hawk represents vision, stewardship, and opportunity. A golden sun glows in each design representing warmth and friendliness.

The seal design illustrates Pinole Creek flowing into San Pablo Bay as it peeks through the fog, a familiar presence characteristic to the Bay Area. Acorns, which are the main ingredient in pinole (pee-noh-leh), border the interior image of the seal as a reminder of the City’s rich history. Pinole is a food made from ground acorns that was prepared by the Ohlone and shared with foreign settlers. The acorns symbolize nourishment and legacy.

City Council recognized that this is a significant milestone that reflects the culmination of extensive outreach and collaboration ensuring the City's visual identity authentically represents the values and unique experience of the community.

To officialize the seal, City staff will return to council with an ordinance for the Pinole Municipal Code that contains the updated image and its description as the final step in the City seal adoption process.

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

News & Updates

DOWNLOAD THE CITY OF PINOLE MOBILE APP TODAY

The City of Pinole's new mobile application is an interactive app makes it easier to stay connected to your city. This app serves as a central hub for local information, providing easy access to City news, upcoming events, meeting agendas, and essential alerts from trusted sources such as the National Weather Service and the Community Warning System.

Moreover, it promotes open communication by enabling residents to easily connect with council members and City staff, simplifies access to frequently used online services, and offers a convenient way to submit work requests or crime tips. We aim to forge deeper bonds within our community, creating a more connected Pinole where residents' concerns and voices are readily heard and addressed. Download the app today for easy access to:

• Public safety alerts
• Upcoming City events
• Recreation programs
• Latest City news
• Meeting agendas
• Job openings
• Report an issue
• Community Resources, including affordable housing
• Contact staff directly
• Register to vote
• City of Pinole and Pinole Police Department social media
• Watch PCTV live
• and so much more!

INTRODUCING THE PINOLE ENERGY ENHANCEMENT REBATE PROGRAM

The City’s new Energy Enhancement Rebate Program (EERP) helps you save money and the planet! This pilot program offers rebates on heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC, induction stovetops, attic/wall insulation, electrical panel upgrades and more. If you are planning an energy-efficiency or electrification improvement project for your home, the cost may be drastically reduced through this program. For example, the program offers up to a $4,000 rebate for a heat pump water heater which covers 45% of the typical project cost. Co-benefits of these energy-efficiency projects, which do not consume gas, include energy bill savings, cleaner indoor air quality, and climate action benefits. Rebates are limited and first come, first serve as well as stackable on BayREN and MCE rebates. The program is being administered by Contra Costa County, on behalf of Pinole. Program requirements apply. Visit the official program website contracosta.ca.gov/PinoleEnergyRebates to get started!

CITY IS AWARDED $75,000 GRANT

Last year, staff submitted a grant application for the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant Program (OWR4) on Nov 4, 2023. On Feb 26, 2024 we received a confirmation from CalRecycle that we were successful, and our specific grant amount is $75,000. The Public Works Department will be using these grant funds on eligible costs towards procurement of recycled organic products, staff time, education and outreach, record keeping, training and a host of other tasks. the grant period will last from now to April 1, 2026.

GET INVOLVED! JOIN A CITY BOARD, COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION!

The City of Pinole is recruiting to fill vacancies on the following boards and commissions. If you are a citizen interested in community service in a variety of disciplines, there are several opportunities available. These vacancies will remain open until April 19, 2024.

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee (TAPS) (5 vacancies, Two-year term)

TAPS is a five-member panel that recommend and review action on traffic safety, traffic control and planning, speed limits, parking, and other traffic related matters. The committee makes recommendations to the City Council. TAPS meetings take place on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm.

Community Service Commission (6 vacancies, Two-year term)

The Pinole Community Services Commission is a seven-member panel that seek to enhance quality of life for the citizens of Pinole through responsive and interactive community services. A critical aspect of the Commission is their community advocacy. They provide feedback for a number of organizations and projects. The Committee meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:00 pm.

Planning Commission (3 vacancies, Four-year term)

The Planning Commission is a seven-member panel that assist with preparation, adoption, and maintenance of a long-range, General Plan for the physical growth and development of the city and make recommendations to the City Council.  The Planning Commission meetings take place on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 pm.

Applications for all Commissions and Committees, and supplemental questionnaires for positions, are available on the City’s websit.

For more information, you are encouraged to contact the City Clerk's office at 510-724-8928 or email City Clerk Heather Bell at hbell@ci.pinole.ca.us.  Candidates must be appointed by action of the City Council to all Commissions or Committee.

PLANNING FOR COMMUNITY NEEDS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

The Contra Costa County HOME/CDBG Consortium has just begun planning for the expenditure of over $60 million in federal funds in Contra Costa County over the next five years. They are asking for your input to help guide those resources to best meet the needs of our community. The priorities contained in the Consolidated Plan will guide the investment of over $12 million each year in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding. These versatile federal funding sources can:

• build new affordable housing;
• rehabilitate existing affordable housing;
• modify and rehabilitate homes for lower income and senior homeowners;
• construct or improve public facilities and parks;
• improve infrastructure in lower income neighborhoods;
• provide employment training to lower income workers;
• offer financial and other assistance to small business owners;
• fund services to homeless persons;
• provide a wide variety of services for lower income families and individuals; and
• much, much more.

The Consortium is reaching out to as many people as possible to best understand what they think is most needed where they live. Please check out the surveys below to provide feedback to help direct the funding:

Housing Survey: https://forms.office.com/g/5pGzCXf14K?origin=lprLink

Non-Housing Survey: https://forms.office.com/g/9ZPTFkEhJN?origin=lprLink

A Greener Pinole

JOIN YOUR NEIGHBORS IN A WALKING PLEDGE TO PROTECT THE PLANET

On Saturday, April 20th at 9am we will take a walking pledge to protect the planet as a community. Come out and meet your neighbors, spend time with family, get some fresh air, or bring Fido for a walk! The walking path will follow the Pinole Creek trail and loop around Pinole Shores along the Bay Trail. Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the finish line, and there will be kids' activities and local environmental organizations for you to connect with at Fernandez Park. FREE event. Registration is required. All are welcome.

Other Earth Day activities include:

Earth Day Challenge

All are welcome to participate in City of Pinole’s Earth Day Challenge. Select 1 small act of kindness towards Earth from our list or create your own challenge. Provide any form of proof of your completed challenge at Earth Walk and receive a small prize and raffle ticket for a chance to win an eco-friendly swag bag.

eARTh Day Student Art Contest

Open to all Pinole school students! Enter to win an awesome prize by submitting an art project in honor of Earth Day. Students must depict nature found in Pinole in any visual art form, and must use upcycled, recycled, or otherwise sustainable supplies(does not apply to photography). Winners will be announced at the Pinole Earth Walk, then their art will be displayed in City Hall. Register by April 12th.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED: AT-HOME COMPOSTING EXPERT

The City is preparing for its Earth Day celebration event: Earth Walk. The event is on Saturday, April 20 from 9am-12pm at Fernandez Park. We are looking for a volunteer that is intermediate to skilled in at-home composting to support educating attendees at the event on a beginner’s guide to composting at home. All tools and resources to facilitate the educating will be provided. If you are interested, please email our Sustainability Fellow ,Kapil Amin, at kamin@ci.pinole.ca.us. Thank you in advance!

CITY COUNCIL APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL PURCHASING POLICY

The City of Pinole will be amending the Procurement Policy to include an enhanced Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy and Program (E4P) that would factor in the environmental, social, and health impacts of the City's procured goods and services. The policy includes vetting goods and services using specification guidelines in categories such as recycled content, toxicity, resource consumption, equity and more where practicable and economically feasible. The program will include education, setting target goals, and tracking wherever feasible. The E4P will increase the City’s procurement of sustainable goods and services. Council approved the addition of the E4P at the March 19, 2024 City Council meeting. 

Reminders