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City employees are mourning the loss of two cherished coworkers and beloved members of the community: Robert Walker and Patricia "Patti" Silva. Their presence will be greatly missed, but their smiles will always be remembered. Both Robert and Patti leave a remarkable legacy of public service in the City of Pinole. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your service, dedication, and friendship.
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ROBERT WALKER
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of long-time employee, Robert Walker (pictured above wearing white), who passed away on October 13, 2024. Robert was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, leader, and mentor to many. For 45 years, Robert dedicated himself to working for the City of Pinole, where he built meaningful relationships and contributed to the community he loved so much. His coworkers were like family, and his commitment to the city was a true reflection of his character and passion for service. Robert will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Additional information may be provided by the family to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Robert Walker.
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PATRICIA "PATTI" SILVA
A message from Acting Chief Avery concerning the passing of retired Records Specialist Patti Silva: "We are saddened to share that retired Records Specialist Patricia “Patti” Silva entered hospice over the weekend and passed away just after noon yesterday, surrounded by her loving family. Patti dedicated nearly 20 years of her life to the Police Department and the City, retiring in December 2023. Her commitment to the community and her colleagues was truly inspiring, especially in light of her courageous battles with health issues, including breast cancer in 2008. I will always cherish Patti’s devotion to her family, particularly her daughters and grandchildren. One coworker beautifully noted, “Patti was one of the kindest most generous people I have ever met and the world is a little bit dimmer today without her in it.” The family plans to host a celebration of Patti’s life for friends and loved ones."
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Pinole Community Television, or PCTV, is Pinole's local P.E.G. TV station. P.E.G. stands for Public, Education and Government Access programming. This means PCTV provides unfiltered access to local city council, county board of supervisors, school district meetings, and a host of other programs created by and for our community covering a range of social and cultural concerns.
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We also help community members and students create their own shows at our facility or post their independently created content on our channels. By doing this, PCTV partners with the public to chronicle and preserve the life and history of Pinole for now and future generations.
The City of Pinole invites you to participate in this survey so that we can find out how PCTV can better serve the community in the areas of public broadcast, local programming, video production, event coverage, and community media.
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CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS
Community Services Commission Meeting - Wed, Oct. 23, 5-7pm - Zoom/City Hall
Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Oct. 28, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall
City Council Meeting - Tues, Nov. 5, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall - CANCELLED
TAPS Meeting - Wed, Nov. 13, 6pm - Zoom/City Hall
Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Nov. 18, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall
City Council Meeting - Tues, Nov. 19, 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
Halloween Movie Night - Fri. Oct. 18, 6:15pm - Fernandez Park
Community Cleanup - Sat. Oct. 19, 10am-12pm - Creek Trail (behind Sprouts)
Police Chief Candidate Meet & Greet - Thurs. Nov. 7, 5-7pm - Senior Center
Women's Day Luncheon & Expo - Sun. Nov. 10, 12-4pm - Senior Center
Coffee with the City - We. Nov. 13, 8-10am - Peet's Coffee
Holiday Craft Fair - Sat. Nov. 16, 10am-3pm - Senior Center
Holiday Breakfast - Sat. Dec. 14, 9-11am - Senior Center
Holiday Tree Lighting - Sat. Dec. 7, 3-5:30pm - Fernandez Park & Community Corner
**Please note that the City of Pinole and its facilities will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11.
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Inside the Council Chambers
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Pinole Valley High School student Sophia speaking to City Council after receiving a proclamtion for Indigenous People's Day.
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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
On Tuesday, October 15, Pinole City Council gave proclamations in recognition of: Indigenous Peoples Day, Rosh Hashanah, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Filipino History Month, and Code Enforcement Officer Week.
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Community Development Director Whalen shows council the team's organizational structure as part of the department update.
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AN UPDATE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development Director Lilly whalen provided an update on the activity and highlights of the department. She reported several upcoming planning projects including: establishing parklet regulations and a pre-approved ADU program, work with new owner of Pinole Square (Tara Hills Safeway) on redevelopment. She also reported that Housing Element implementation is underway. Pinole Vista Apartments, which is planned to be developed on the old KMart lot on 1500 Fitzgerald, has had their entitlement extended and the City anticipates building permit issuance to happen sometime in 2026-2027.
Sustainability highlights included 10 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan grant applications were submitted, totaling $2.9M in total requests. The city of Pinole has already been awarded $700,000 thus far.
Code enforcement, a lean but mighty division in the City with just one Code Enforcement Officer, was reported to close 442 total residential cases and 15 commercial cases in FY23/24, with the majority of cases involving overgrown weeds (262) and nuisance (104). Code Enforcement's attention to overgrown weeds contributes to the overall weed abatement and fire reduction efforts in the City. Read about more exciting updates in the Community Development Department by viewing the entire presentation here.
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Members of the Community Services Department, Public Works, City Council, and the City Manager pose with WCCYSL President, Tyler Darke.
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WCCYSL DONATES $167,050 TO REHABILITATE PINOLE VALLEY PARK FIELD
Community Services Director Andrea Dwyer presented new business to council pertaining to the Pinole Valley Park east field near Wright Avenue. Previously, Director Dwyer met with West Contra Costa Youth Soccer League (WCCYSL) in July 2024 to discuss a collaboration. WCCYSL had expressed an interest in expanding park usage while being able to expand resident offerings of their league, and in graciously offering a donation to the city to cover all costs to rehabilitate the Pinole Valley Park soccer field located at the end of Wright Avenue. Currently, the site does not have any use as it is used as an open space due to the identifiable hazards that fill the field. City staff worked to identify a contractor capable of completing the work and continued to work with WCCYSL on the terms of the agreement. The estimate that was provided to the city is in the amount of $167,050.00 for the work to be performed to include a new rehabilitated soccer field with updates to the irrigation system. West Contra Costa Youth Soccer League has offered to provide a donation for the entire $167,050.00. This substantial donation will allow the City to rehabilitate the soccer field and will greatly improve Pinole Valley Park. The City thanks West Contra Costa Soccer League for this generous donation, and appreciates the efforts of City staff for helping build this terrific partnership.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE TO THE PINOLE MUNICIPAL CODE: SAFE FIREARM STORAGE
To help reduce the risk of firearm-related injuries, deaths, and thefts, the City of Pinole has updated its Municipal Code to include Chapter 9.19: "Storage of Firearms." Effective October 17, 2024, all firearms in residences must be stored in a locked container or disabled with a trigger lock. Ammunition must also be stored in a locked container. Violations of these residential requirements may be punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars per violation. For vehicles, the first violation of firearm storage requirements is an infraction, with subsequent violations punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars per violation. Safe storage ensures that firearms cannot be accessed by others without the owner's permission, reducing the risk of tragic incidents such as suicide, homicide, or accidental injuries. California Penal Code Section 25100, makes it illegal to store firearms on premises if the owner knows or has reason to know that a child is likely to gain access to the firearm without permission. The level of penalty depends on if the child gains access, and the severity of harm resulting from the child’s access to the firearm. For more information, please refer to Chapter 9.19 “Storage of Firearms” of the Pinole Municipal Code.
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The set-up from the first Police Chief Candidate Meet and Greet which was held in September, before community members arrived.
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JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY FORUM TO MEET THE POLICE CHIEF CANDIDATE FINALISTS
The City of Pinole invites you to a special Police Chief Candidate Meet & Greet on Thursday, November 7th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Senior Center Main Hall. This event offers an opportunity for Pinole residents to meet and engage with the Police Chief finalists before they proceed to their final hiring interview with the City Manager. This event also provides an opportunity to provide your feedback to the City Manager so that she can use that feedback in determining her selection.
The first review of applications is set for October 19th, semi-finalists will then interview with Subject Matter Experts, Department Heads, and Police Department Staff. The next part of the recruitment process involves the finalists interviewing with a panel of Community Stakeholders and then attending the Community Forum where members of the community will be able to get to know the final candidates better and provide their input. Once the candidates are selected and we are closer to the meet and greet date, candidate bios will be shared in a separate posting. The City Manager aims to make a decision and complete negotiations by mid-November.
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PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE REPORT
Between September 17 - Ocobter 15, 2024, the Public Works Department addressed a total of 406 service requests, 196 of which were for parks, 59 for roads, and 67 for City-owned facilities. Of the road work that was completed, the majority was to fix potholes (30 out of 59 road service requests). Work to address restrooms makes up 66% of all facility-related service calls.
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JOIN OUR TEAM
BIG NEWS: We're Hiring! Are you ready to supercharge your career and work with an amazing team? This could be your moment! We’re on the lookout for passionate, driven individuals to join us! If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with talented minds and is always ready for the next big challenge, we want YOU! Please visit https://www.pinole.gov/careers/ to see open positions.
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Q: What is Measure I?
A: Measure I is a local, ½ cent Pinole sales tax measure that has been placed on the Municipal Election ballot. If enacted, Measure I creates a reliable source of local, voter-approved funding to make Pinole’s roads safer and improve the quality of life for residents.
Q: Why was Measure I placed on the ballot?
A: Pinole’s annual deficit is projected to grow to $1,600,000 next fiscal year alone. If enacted, Measure I can prevent severe cuts in funding for fire and police protection, 911 emergency response times, pothole repairs, park maintenance, and other essential services the community relies on.
Q: I’m concerned about the condition of local streets.
A: According to independent engineers, Pinole currently has about $32 million in road and infrastructure repairs. The longer roads go without repair, the more expensive it will be to fix them in the future. If enacted, Measure I will help the City maintain our roads earlier.
Q: What about public safety needs?
A: The City seeks to keep Pinole safe by maintaining neighborhood police patrols, investments in crime prevention programs, and 911 police response times during a time when other parts of the Bay Area are struggling with rising crime, which has been identified by the public as a priority for investment for
new revenue, such as that generated by Measure I.
Q: What community priorities will be address by Measure I?
A: In a spring community survey, Pinole residents identified the following priorities for City investment: providing clean water; maintaining 911 emergency response times, crime prevention programs, fire protection and response; and keeping Pinole’s public areas and parks healthy, safe, and clean.
Q: What else is on the ballot?
A: November 5th is Pinole’s Municipal Election. In addition to Measure I, local voters can select the City Treasurer and up to two Council members. It is a Presidential election—in addition to federal and state candidates, there are state propositions on your November ballot.
Q: Where can I get more information about Measure I?
A: For more information about Measure , including the official ballot materials, visit Pinole.gov. To get more information about voting, visit https://www.contracostavote.gov/election/november-5-2024-presidential-general-election/#Election to learn more about all items on your ballot.
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UPCOMING ROAD CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
Closure Location:
Summit Drive (from Lefebvre Way to Buena Vista Drive)
Pinole, CA
Summary of Road Closure:
Due to necessary Pacific Gas and Electric work in the area to remove and replace a utility pole, Summit Drive between Lefebvre Way to Buena Vista Drive will be closed to traffic from October 23, 2024, to October 23, 2024.
Closure Details:
- Dates of Closure:
From October 23, 2024, 8:00 AM to October 23, 2024, 4:00 PM
- Affected Area:
The closure will affect access to Summit Drive, Summit Court, Lefebvre Way, and Leroy Avenue.
- Reason for Closure:
Removal and replacement of utility pole.
Traffic Detours & Alternate Routes:
- Detour Routes:
None available.
- Public Transportation Impact:
None available.
Safety Instructions:
- Please adhere to traffic signs, cones, and barriers for your safety and to avoid further delays.
- Please follow all posted detour signs and traffic cones.
- Be mindful of construction crews and equipment on-site.
- Be cautious of construction vehicles and workers in the area.
- Emergency vehicles will have access through designated routes.
Contact Information:
For more information or if you have concerns, please contact:
Additional Notes:
- Expect minor delays in the surrounding areas due to ongoing construction work.
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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!
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FREE ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY KITS FOR PINOLE RENTERS AND HOMEOWNERS—LIMITED AVAILABILITY!
Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, a nonprofit dedicated to climate resilience and economic equity, is offering FREE energy and water efficiency kits to Pinole residents! Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, you can receive a kit packed with useful items like energy-efficient lightbulbs, smart power strips or plugs, draft-stopping outlet gaskets, faucet aerators, and more. If you haven’t received a kit in the last five years, you’re eligible! Getting yours is easy—just fill out this quick 15-minute Green House Call survey or call 510-665-1501 (ext. 300) to get started. Hurry! Supplies are limited, and surveys must be completed by the end of this month. Don’t miss out on this simple way to save on energy and water bills while helping the environment. To learn more about Rising Sun’s mission and their climate career programs for youth and adults, visit their website.
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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.
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. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. 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. For questions, contact, mpicazo@pinole.gov.
FOOD 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, November 18, 2024, 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.
HALLOWEEN MOVIE
Join us for a spooky night at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Ave) for our Halloween Movie on Friday, October 18th at dusk (approximately 6:15 pm) where we will be premiering The Addams Family (2019). Grab your blankets & chairs, wear your costumes & jackets, and bring your movie snacks for our spooktacular movie night!
WOMEN'S DAY LUNCHEON & EXPO
We invite you to attend the 2024 Annual Women's Day Luncheon & Expo brought to you by the Bayfront Chamber. On Sunday, November 10th from 12 pm - 4 pm at the Senior Center (2500 Charles Ave), enjoy networking, holiday shopping, clothing exchanges, chair massages, guest speakers, and more! Lunch will be catered by Powder Keg Pub. Tickets are priced at $40 and can be purchased online.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Get festive this holiday season by participating in our annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 16th from 10 am - 3pm at the Pinole Senior Center (2500 Charles Ave). Vendor registration is now open, a few vendor spots remain. Register online at www.pinolerec.com or by visiting the Senior Center from 8 am - 4 pm.
SENIOR CENTER VOLUNTEERS
Do you have a passion of serving the community? Do you enjoy being a part of a team? We are looking for volunteers to help the lunch program at the Senior Center in the following areas:
Food Prep / Server 9AM - 1PM
Dish Wash 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM
Ticket Check-in 12PM - 1PM
Stop by the Front Desk for a volunteer application to get started!
SENIOR CENTER LUNCH PROGRAM
Enjoy a delicious meal and make new friends with our in-person dining experience offered Wednesdays - Fridays in the Senior Center Main Hall. Call 510-418-0313 to place order. Meals are $8 for Senior Center Members and $10 for Non-Members.
TINY TOTS REGISTRATION
Come join the fun at Tiny Tots! Children will enjoy learning through arts & crafts, music, and story time. Online registration for Winter session starts on 10/23. Winter session is held from November 18th through February 28th. We have availability in our PM Pre-K class. Please visit https://www.pinole.gov/recreation/tiny-tots/ or email tinytots@pinole.gov for further details.
FALL OUTDOOR BASKETBALL CLASSES
Get your ball on and join our premier basketball training outlet that will take your skillset to the next level! Basketball classes will be offered from October 26th through November 16th at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Avenue) each Saturday afternoon. Register online at www.pinolerec.com
Ages: 5-8 yrs old (12:30pm), 9-12 yrs old (1:30pm), 13-15 years old (2:30pm), 16-18 years old (3:30pm)
FALL CAMP 2024
Join us for Fall Camp for ages 5-12 at the Youth Center (635 Tennent Ave.) from November 25th to 27th, 9am-4pm. Come and enjoy a variety of autumn-themed activities, including arts and crafts, nature exploration, sports, cooking, and outdoor fun. Make the most of this holiday season by creating unforgettable memories with us! Don't miss out—register online at www.pinolerec.com.
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Join us as we spread some holiday cheer during our Holiday Tree Lighting Event on Saturday, December 7th from 3 pm-5:30 pm.
Event Schedule
Event Activities: 3 pm - 5 pm at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Avenue)
*Activities include holiday crafts, face painting, balloon twisting
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5 pm - 5:30 pm at Community Corner (San Pablo Ave. and Tennent Ave.)
*If rain is expected, event will be moved to the Senior Center (2500 Charles Ave.).
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST
We invite you to celebrate the holidays with us by joining our first annual Holiday Breakfast on Saturday, December 14th from 9 am - 11 am at the Pinole Senior Center. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, coffee, and orange juice. Tickets are priced at $10 and will include a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Advanced ticket purchase is required. Reserve your breakfast today at www.pinolerec.com.
COMMISSION VACANCIES
PINOLE residents are encouraged to become involved with their community and serve in an advisory capacity on a board or committee. The City of Pinole has the following vacancies:
Community Services Commission: One (1) vacancy, two-year term
Applications due to City Clerk: Open until Filled
The 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.
HOW TO REPORT POTHOLES
Report potholes by calling (510) 724-9010 or complete a Service Request Form. Please be prepared to describe the location of the pothole.
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City employees from the Community Development Department at their booth.
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