Greetings from the City Manager

Dear Pinole Residents,

As I wrap up my time serving as your Interim City Manager, I want to share how proud I am of the work our Team has accomplished together. Over the past few months, staff worked diligently to evaluate the City’s budget and operations, making thoughtful yet difficult decisions to reduce expenses and achieve a structurally balanced budget. This goal was reached, and the City Council has a budget that represents a meaningful and encouraging step forward on Pinole’s “yellow brick road.”

Early on in my role as Interim City Manager, the City Council was clear with their message and direction to find a way to a structurally balanced budget. With a healthy blend of new revenues, strategic cost savings, and continued fiscal discipline, Pinole is positioned to move in a positive financial direction over the next several years. We are fortunate to have an exceptional Finance Department and a strong leadership team guiding this work, and their dedication gives me great confidence in the City’s future.

It has truly been an honor to serve this community during this interim period. Pinole is a remarkable place, and its strength lies in the people who care so deeply about it. I am fully confident that Naomi Kelly, as Pinole’s new City Manager, will provide the steady leadership and experience needed to continue building a bright future for this incredible city.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Pinole’s future is in good hands, and I look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish together.

We Want to Hear From You

HOW SHOULD AI BE USED IN THE CITY OF PINOLE?

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.

HELP IMPROVE EMERGENCY ALERTS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Contra Costa County is conducting a public survey to better understand how residents and visitors receive emergency alerts and warnings. The survey asks about emergency alerts, preparedness, language access, and communications for future incidents such as wildfires, earthquakes, refinery incidents, severe weather, public safety emergencies, and other critical events. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and responses are anonymous. Survey closes on July 10, 2026. Thank you for helping make Constra Costa County safer and more prepared. 

REVIEW THE WESTCAT EVOLUTION DRAFT PLAN

The WestCAT Evolution Draft Plan is now available on the project website for public review. The plan includes proposed changes to fixed-route bus service, along with recommendations related to Dial-a-Ride, school transportation, and future implementation. If you ride WestCAT or think these changes may affect you or those you serve, now is a good time to take a look and share your thoughts. Comments are due by June 30, 2026. There will also be an opportunity to address the WestCAT Board on July 9. Review the Draft Plan [link]: www.westcatevolution.com

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Jun. 22, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Special City Council Meeting - Tues, Jun. 23, 5:30pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, July 7, 5:30pm - Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, July 13, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, July 21, 5:30pm - 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

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 Juneteenth on Friday, June 19th and Independence Day on Friday, July 3rd.

Inside the Council Chambers

Members of City Council with Stephen Tilton, who accepted the Pride proclamation.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

At its June 16, 2026 meeting, the Pinole City Council issued proclamations to honor Juneteenth and Pride.

Council Approves City Manager Agreement

Present City Council members unanimously (4-0) approved the City Manager contract for Naomi Kelly, who brings three decades of government experience and more than 20 years in executive leadership. Bob Hall & Associates reported that the recruitment process was extensive, involving multiple rounds of community engagement, interviews, and both community and staff panels. The position was advertised across major platforms including Cal Cities, ICMA, and PublicCEO, yielding 46 applicants. After screening and in-depth assessments, 10 finalists were presented to the Council. Comprehensive background and reference checks revealed no issues. Naomi Kelly’s exceptional qualifications and strong alignment with the City’s needs earned the Council’s full confidence in her ability to lead.

Pinole Post Office To Be Sold

Council approved the sale of the Post Office property at 2101 Pear Street to APFI–California, LLC for $902,500, with APFI assuming the existing USPS lease and continuing Post Office operations. The Planning Commission confirmed the sale’s consistency with the General Plan, and a lot line adjustment will ensure the City Hall parking lot remains City-owned. While the City currently nets about $59,383 annually from the lease after maintenance costs, the 60‑year‑old building was expected to require significant future capital repairs. Selling the property will provide a one-time infusion of funds and eliminate long-term maintenance obligations.

Watch the video.

News & Updates

Naomi M. Kelly, Pinole's new City Manager.

PINOLE WELCOMES NEW CITY MANAGER NAOMI KELLY

At Tuesday’s council meeting, the Pinole City Council voted unanimously (4-0) to appoint Naomi Kelly as its next City Manager. A longtime public servant with decades of executive management experience, Kelly will officially assume her duties in July.

Pinole’s new City Manager comes with more than three decades of government experience and more than 20 years as an executive – including nine years as the City Administrator of the City & County of San Francisco, where she became both the first woman and the first African American to serve in that role.

“Naomi Kelly brings exactly the kind of experience Pinole needs right now. She has built a strong reputation for practical, results-oriented leadership, delivering on commitments, and managing resources wisely,” said Mayor Anthony Tave. “Her track record across multiple settings demonstrates what thoughtful planning, community engagement, and sound operations can produce. I’m confident she will serve Pinole well.”

Kelly brings extensive experience managing municipal services and complex public projects, as well as delivering results under complex or constrained conditions, such as tight budgets. She helped build and then managed San Francisco’s $35 billion, 10 year capital plan that strengthened infrastructure investments and secured nearly $4 billion in voter approved bonds for streets, facilities, and earthquake resiliency. She also created a Budget & Planning Team focused on long-term fiscal sustainability, aligning service levels with available resources.

“I am thrilled to join the Pinole community and look forward to working alongside staff, city leaders, and the greater community,” Kelly said. “I strive to be service oriented, with a ‘get-it-done’ approach. I look to balance accountability and opportunity within our municipal team, while we dedicate ourselves to the needs of the people we serve.” Read the full article.

Flags were proudly displayed at Fernandez Park during the Pride and Juneteenth celebration.

COMMUNITY SERVICES SHINES AT PRIDE AND JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

The City of Pinole proudly hosted this year’s Pride and Juneteenth celebration, bringing together community members of all ages for an afternoon filled with joy, connection, and inclusion. Led by the Community Services Department - who welcomed everyone with smiles and open arms - the event created a vibrant and family-friendly space for more than 300 attendees. Guests enjoyed live performances, music, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with local organizations. The children’s area buzzed with arts and crafts, a bubble artist, face painting, and hands-on activities, while 12 local vendors and community groups offered resources, information, and handmade goods. Food trucks provided delicious treats as neighbors gathered to celebrate love, diversity, belonging, and unity. The event successfully honored the spirit of both Pride and Juneteenth while strengthening community bonds. Thank you to everyone who joined in the celebration!

Happy children visiting the PCTV booth at last year's car show.

CHECK OUT PINOLE COMMUNITY TV AT THE CAR SHOW

Pinole Community TV (PCTV) will be at the Pinole Classic Car Show on Sunday, June 28, 7am-3pm in downtown Pinole. PCTV will showcase new equipment at the Pinole Classic Car Show, which will have over 300 classic cars, dozens vendors and delicious food to enjoy. If you visit, be sure to stop by PCTV's booth for a treat! PCTV serves as West Contra Costa County’s Public Access and Government Channel, enhancing civic engagement, government transparency, and community storytelling through accessible media resources. For more than 42 years, PCTV has provided high‑quality broadcasting along with video and audio production services to the City of Pinole, local agencies, and community organizations. Their work supports the sharing of public meetings, key information, and local stories, helping keep the community informed about what's happening locally.

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 – Upcoming Vacancies: Five (5) Two-Year Terms

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee (TAPS) - Upcoming Vacancies: Four (4) Two-Year Terms

The City Council will fill the above identified vacancies upon consideration of applications filed with the City Clerk’s Office. Committee Responsibilities and Meeting times:

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee (TAPS)

• TAPS is a five-member panel that recommends and reviews action on traffic safety, traffic control and planning, speed limits, parking, and other traffic related matters. The committee works with staff to make recommendations to the City Council. TAPS meetings take place quarterly on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

Community Service Commission

• The Pinole Community Services Commission is a seven-member panel that seeks 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 p.m.

APPLICATIONS:

Completed applications and supplemental questionnaires must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office. A subcommittee of the City Council will conduct interviews, and appointments will be made at a City Council meeting. Applications and supplemental questionnaires may be completed electronically through the City’s website at the City’s Boards and Commissions page.

For More Information Contact City Clerk Heather Bell-Spears (510) 724-8928, hbell@pinole.gov

A Greener Pinole

GET MORE THAN $6,500 BACK ON HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS FOR ANY-INCOME HOMES

Stack rebates for even more savings and healthier homes! The Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program (PEER) offers homes limited; first-come, first-served rebates up to $3,000 for clean energy upgrades such as heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, induction stoves, insulation and more. PEER rebates can be stacked with Marin Clean Energy heat pump rebates: $3,175 for heat pump water heating & $2,000 + $400 per 500 sqft. for heat pump space heating/cooling. Additionally, for a limited time the City is offering heat pump permit rebates. There’s more! Golden State Rebates offers up to $700 for heat pump water heaters. Please check all respective rebate program requirements before starting work on your project. The City encourages homeowners to take advantage of free services offered by QuitCarbon through the Pinole All-Electric Concierge to review your home’s project scope and bids—at no cost—to ensure you are getting a fair price. Additionally, QuitCarbon’s free assistance can identify additional incentives for your home and get you connected with the right contractor for rebate stacking. Please see the breakdown below on approximate final heat pump project costs.

Get A Free Heat Pump Ductless Mini-Split!

Rebuilding Together East Bay Network (RTEBN) in partnership with Contra Costa County will install ductless heat-pump mini-splits to eligible homeowners for free. Heat pump systems improve indoor and outdoor air quality and energy-efficiency all while helping our planet.

Demographic Requirements

• Must be a homeowner and reside in the single-family home, townhome, duplex, condominium or mobile home in Contra Costa County.
• Must have an annual household income less than 80% of the median. Proof of income required. Eligible applicants are funded on a first-come; first-served basis. Priority may be given to applicants who face urgent need.

Structural Requirements

• Must have required electrical capacity in main panel. Typical amperage is a 20-30A dedicated circuit.
• Must approve of full removal and replacement of gas heater to convert to electric heat pump system

To get started, complete an interest form.  Need application support? Call 510-644-8979 EXT.105 for in-person  support or email kati@rtebn.org for online support.

Reminders

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. You can also receive alerts from the CWS through the City of Pinole mobile app.

CAR SHOW PANCAKE BREAKFAST

On Sunday, June 28 from 7am-10am, kick off the Pinole Car Show with a delicious Pancake Breakfast at the Senior Center (2500 Charles Ave.). Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, orange juice, and coffee! Tickets are $10 for Residents and $12 for Non-Residents. Tickets can be purchased online at www.pinolerec.com.

SUMMER SOCCER CAMPS

Meet us at the field this summer for high-energy soccer camps designed for ages 5–12 to build skills and confidence. Camps will be held at Pinole Valley West Soccer Field (3790 Pinole Valley Road), from 9am–12pm. Aftercare is also available for an additional fee from 12pm–2:30pm. For questions, email recreation@pinole.gov or call (510) 724-9800, and register at www.pinolerec.com.

COASTAL CLEANUP 2026 - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

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 - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The City of Pinole’s annual Dumpster Day will be held 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.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

The Community Services Department is excited to offer a variety of engaging sports and enrichment programs for youth ages 2–12! Offerings include outdoor 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.

SWIM CENTER - NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER!

The Swim Center (2450 Simas Ave.) is open Tuesday through Sunday for the Summer season, now through August 16. 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) 724-9800.

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, July 13, 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. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 10-11am. 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.

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