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Greetings from the City Manager
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Dear Pinole Residents,
The warm weather reminds us that summer is around the corner! The City has many exciting events planned to keep the community connected and having fun, including our annual Pride and Juneteenth Celebration on June 14th at Fernandez Park. The Pinole Classic Car Show will be back on Sunday, June 28th, where we'll be cooking up a delicious pancake breakfast at the Senior Center from 7-10am. Check out our website calendar to view our full summer lineup.
Staff have been hard at work both behind the scenes and in the field. Budget preparations for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 continue to head in a positive direction. In addition to over 95 potholes repaired this spring, Public Works is addressing weed abatement across the City to keep Pinole fire-safe this summer. The City Clerk and Communications departments have been busy preparing for the June primary election and responding to resident inquiries. As many departments kick-off the busy season, we reflect on the tremendous dedication our teams bring to serving the community each day.
Finally, Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the profound sacrifice made by those who gave their lives in service to our nation, and I encourage everyone to pause and honor their legacy. Please note that City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday.
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In Service,
Garrett Evans
Interim City Manager
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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CITY AI POLICY
The City of Pinole is developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy to ensure that any AI tools used by the City are applied responsibly, transparently, and in ways that reflect community values. As we shape this policy, we want to hear directly from our residents—your insights, questions, and concerns are essential. We invite you to take a moment to complete our community survey and help guide how AI is used to support City services now and in the future.
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CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS
Community Services Commission - Wed, May 27, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall
City Council Meeting - Tues, Jun. 2, 5:30pm - Zoom/City Hall
Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Jun. 8, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall
Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Committee - Wed, Jun. 10, 6pm - Zoom/City Hall
City Council Meeting - Tues, Jun. 16, 5:30pm - Zoom/City Hall
Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Jun. 22, 7pm - 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
Contra Costa Fish Migration Day - Saturday, May 30, 10am-2pm - Pinole Fish Passage
Pride & Juneteenth Celebration - Sun, Jun. 14, 12-2pm - Fernandez Park
Car Show Pancake Breakfast - Sun, Jun. 28, 7-10am - Senior Center
Pinole Classic Car Show - Sun, Jun. 28, 7am-3pm - Fernandez Park
SCHEDULED CLOSURE
City facilities will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25th.
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Inside the Council Chambers
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Public Works Director El-Guindy accepted the Public Works Appreciation Week proclamation on behalf of her team.
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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
At its May 19, 2026 meeting, the Pinole City Council issued proclamations to honor Mental Health Awareness Month, Local and Community History Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Public Works Week, Emergency Services Week, and Affordable Housing Month.
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Community Services Director Dwyer gives a presentation on Pinoles summer lineup.
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Community Services Summer Presentation
Community Services Director Andrea Dwyer gave a colorful presentation about all the dynamic programs Pinole has planned for the summer season. First up, the Pride and Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, June 14th from 12-2pm at Fernandez Park. Director Dwyer reported that there are several more family-friendly events throughout the summer, including the Car Show Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, June 28th and concerts and movies at Fernandez Park. Community Services has added creative new programming, such as Aqua Zumba and Yoga for Kids. Youth summer camps are almost at capacity, so she urged parents to register their children at PinoleRec.com -- to make it easier, deposits are now offered this year for multi-week camp registrations.
Council expressed appreciation for the summer lineup, and asked questions about the cost recovery of programs that were presented. Director Dwyer explained that there are substantial overhead expenses, such as facility maintenance, that are factored in to the percentages that were shown. She also pointed out that the department is exploring several opportunities to maximize the usage of Pinole's recreation facilities to generate additional revenues to offset expenses.
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Preliminary plan
The prelimary Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Plan was presented by Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy. She reported that the aggressive plan would tackle a total of 49 projects planned for the 5-year CIP under 5 different categories. For Fiscal Year 2026/27, she explained that there are 9 projects proposed for Facilities, 5 for Parks, 9 for Sanitary Sewer, 3 for Stormwater and 16 for Roads -- in addition to 4 Infrastructure Assessments. Some of the projects are intended to gradually improve the road system including pavement rehabilitation, sidewalk replacement/repairs, curb ramps, upgrades to streetlights and traffic control signals, traffic calming, and upgrade to signage and pavement markings.
Director El-Guindy explained in light of the limited staff and financial resources, certain projects are being prioritized because they were either already underway, had a regulatory component, or were grant funded and had sensitive funding timelines. Others are recommended for deferral due to dependency on completion of precursor capital projects/master plans, dependency on other capital projects for coordinated and efficient implementation, pending grant award results and funding obligations, and staff capacity.
City Council asked many questions and held thoughtful discussion about funding sources and prioritization of CIP projects. During discussion, some councilmembers emphasized important factors to consider, including regulatory requirements and mandates. The dire need for road repair was mentioned several times, and were pleased to know that the bid request for pavement rehabilitation would enable much needed road construction to begin this calendar year. The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding of the importance of considering funding sources, regulatory mandates, Public Works divisions responsible, and project timelines. Council directed staff to bring back this information for each project to provide additional context to better help Council determine CIP priorities.
Watch the video.
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Members of the Pinole Police Department, City staff, East Bay Blue Buffaloes, and community posed for a group photo before the big run.
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TORCH RUN SUCCESS
The Pinole Police Department (PD) led the way during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run yesterday. This is an exciting event where various law enforcement jurisdictions carry the torch to raise money to support the athletes of the Northern California Special Olympics. In Pinole, dozens of runners and supporters showed up at Community Corner to cheer on the athletes, joined by family and friends. Participants ran and/or walked with the Pinole PD down San Pablo Avenue for approximately 2 miles and handed the torch off to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's department in the Nation's parking lot. The event was a complete success with Pinole PD proudly carrying the torch alongside the East Bay Blue Buffaloes, staff and community members in celebration of the talented and inspiring athletes of the Special Olympics Northern CA division.
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WEED ABATEMENT REMINDER
As vegetation dries out this spring, the fire risk rises. Help keep your community safe by ahering to your responsibilities as a homeowner to remove weeds and dry vegetation on your property. These actions reduce the risk of structure fires and wildfires—and help keep our community safe. Please complete your weed abatement by May 31. City staff will begin inspections after that date. If issues are found, we’ll provide a courtesy notice with 10 days to take action. If needed, the City will arrange for abatement if owners do not timely perform the work, and pass along the full cost to the property owner. With your cooperation, we can maintain Pinole as a safe place to live, work, and visit.
Properties < 5 acres:
- Cut weeds to under 3 inches
Parcels > 5 acres:
- Provide 30-feet fuelbreaks and 15-feet crossbreaks
- Clear road rights-of-way to 10ft horizontal and 13'6" vertical clearance
ALL Properties:
- Mow, mulch, or bag dry grass and dispose of properly
- Remove all debris (cardboard, pallets, trash, wood, trimmings, etc.)
- Maintain standards throughout the fire season due to regrowth (typcially occurs through late October; weather dependent)
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BALLOT BOX IS OPEN AT 2131 PEAR STREET
Pinole's ballot box is located at 2131 Pear Street outside of Pinole City Hall. It is open 24/7 for walk-up or drive-thru drop-offs. Election Day is June 2, 2026 - this is the final day to drop off ballots for the June primary election (drop-off cut-off time will be 8pm on Election Day). In Pinole, voters will see Measures D, E, and F on the June ballot. The Measures will ask voters whether the City should establish the office of mayor as an elected position and if the term of office shall be two or four years. For more information about the measures, visit our website, or email questions to BallotMeasure@pinole.gov.
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FREE COMPOST GIVEAWAY
High-quality compost is available first-come, first-served at Pinole Valley Park by the west soccer field. This free compost is made possible with the CalRecycle local assistance grant for SB 1383 implementation. Bring your bag/buckets and shovel and enjoy free compost for your garden!
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A group of volunteers who helped cleanup the trail adjacent to Pinole Valley High on Community Service Day. Photo courtesy of Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed.
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CREEK CLEANUP ON COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY
This past weekend, the Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed hosted a Pinole creek cleanup that brought together 18 dedicated volunteers. One group collected litter along the trail adjacent to Pinole Valley High School, removing 57 gallons of trash weighing 67.5 lbs. At the same time, a second group beautified the Pinole Library by planting native species in the PV Native Garden. They were grateful to be joined by members of KIWINS from PVHS, residents from San Pablo, and CREEC, who generously provided 21 native plants for the garden. This was work that took place in addition to several other projects around Pinole as part of the City's annual Community Service Day. Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to beautify Pinole this past weekend!
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FISH MIGRATION DAY CELEBRATION AT PINOLE PASSAGE IS MAY 30
Join us for the Contra Costa Fish Migration Celebration at the Pinole Fish Passage on Saturday, May 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! Enjoy a day filled with family-friendly activities, guided tours of the Fish Passage, engaging speakers, informative booths, and much more! Let's celebrate the cherished steelhead of Pinole Creek that travel upstream from the Bay to spawn, along with the Fish Passage project that supports this incredible journey.
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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:
- From the homepage, click on “Report a Problem"
- Click on the “Service Request Form” tab
- Fill out the form, and click “Submit”
How to submit a request through the City of Pinole app:
- Click on “Contact us”
- Click on “Report an Issue”
- Click on “Report a Public Property Issue”
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. You can also receive alerts from the CWS through the City of Pinole mobile app.
PRIDE AND JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Celebrate Pride and Juneteenth with the City of Pinole on Sunday, June 14 from 12pm-2pm at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Avenue). Join a meaningful and vibrant family-friendly event celebrating love, diversity, and belonging with performances, fun and engaging activities, and live music. Come and enjoy various delicious food trucks along with local vendors and community organizations sharing resources and information. Create a welcoming space for all ages to come together, commemorate, and celebrate!
We are now accepting vendors to table at our event. If you are interested in tabling, please complete the event vendor application at http://www.pinole.gov/vendor.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
The Community Services Department is excited to offer a variety of engaging sports and enrichment programs for youth ages 3–12! Offerings include family yoga, drumming, and soccer providing opportunities to build strength, confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Registration is required for all offerings and is now open at www.pinolerec.com.
ZUMBA AND EXERCISE
Get energized 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.
SUMMER CAMPS
Make this summer unforgettable with fun-filled camps for ages 3–12 in Pinole! Campers will enjoy games, arts and crafts, sports, and exciting outdoor adventures, with each week featuring a unique theme to keep the fun going all summer long. Weekly camps run June 15–August 14 , 9am–4pm at Tiny Tots (2454 Simas Ave ages 3–5.) and Youth Center (635 Tennent Ave ages 6–12.) New this year, families can secure their spot with a $25 per week deposit at registration and pay the remaining balance by the Wednesday prior to camp. For questions, email recreation@pinole.gov or call (510) 724-9800, and register at www.pinolerec.com.
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, June 8, 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.
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. 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.
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
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