We Want to Hear From You

HOW SHOULD AI BE USED IN THE CITY OF PINOLE?

Share your thoughts on the City's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy! The City is developing this 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:

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Aug. 24, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall - CANCELED

Zoning Administrator Meeting - Mon, Aug. 24, 2pm - Zoom/City Hall

Community Services Commission Meeting - Wed, Aug. 26, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall - CANCELED

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

NOTE: City Council meetings are canceled for the month of August and will resume in September. 

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.

News & Updates

A Pinole Valley Road street sign and signal in old town Pinole. 

SAFER STREETS ARE COMING TO PINOLE

In the near future, residents can look forward to a series of roadway, safety, and signal upgrades focused on improving bicycle access and pedestrian safety citywide. Matt Brown, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Manager, reported that Pinole Valley Road, Shea Drive, and Marlesta Road will all be repaved this fiscal year, with Pinole Valley Road gaining new Class II bike lanes plus upgraded crosswalks and ramps as part of the City's pavement rehabilitation plans. The County’s Smart Signal Project - already in planning - will modernize signals at 12 major intersections along Appian Way and San Pablo Avenue to improve flow and safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. A separate county-led study will evaluate future bike and pedestrian enhancements along San Pablo Avenue, expected to guide future policies in Fiscal Year 27/28. Brown added that other major projects include the replacement of the 100‑year‑old San Pablo Bridge with a new structure featuring bike lanes and sidewalks, and the long‑awaited Bay Trail gap closure at Tennant Avenue, which will finally create a safe bike and pedestrian railroad crossing linking the trail directly into the city.

AUGUST IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, a time to recognize the emergency management professionals, first responders, government agencies, and community partners who work year-round to prepare Contra Costa County for emergencies. It is also an opportunity for residents to take a few simple steps to prepare themselves, their families, and their communities. Emergencies can happen with little warning. Extreme heat, poor air quality, wildfires, earthquakes, severe weather, and other unexpected events can disrupt everyday life and essential services. Preparing before an emergency happens can help residents make informed decisions, take care of basic needs, and stay connected when it matters most. Learn more about how to prepare for an emergency and upcoming preparedness opportunities. 

Children crossing the street after school is dismissed. 

BACK TO SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY

It might be hard to believe, but it is already the start of a new school year! This year, the City of Pinole is pleased to welcome the newly merged Betty Reid Soskin @ Pinole Middle School to our community. This transition brings students, families, and staff together under one campus located on Mann Drive, strengthening connections as part of the West Contra Costa County School District's 22 community schools. The first day of school is Tuesday, August 18th for Betty Reid Soskin @ Pinole Middle School and many other Pinole schools. 

Back‑to‑School Traffic Safety Reminder
With the school year beginning, the City encourages parents, drivers, students, and neighbors to help keep our roadways safe around all school zones. Please follow these guidelines to ensure everyone remains safe:

• Slow down in school zones and nearby residential streets, especially during morning drop‑off (8:00–8:30 AM) and afternoon dismissal.
• Watch closely for walkers and bike riders, especially near crosswalks, intersections, and parked cars.
• Avoid double‑parking or blocking crosswalks; use designated loading zones during drop‑off and pick‑up.
• Come to a complete stop at all stop signs and crosswalks, even when the path appears clear.
• Students and families should use marked crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers before crossing, and consider walking or biking in groups for added safety.

Guidelines specific to the Betty Reid @ Pinole Middle School campus:

• No left turns from Mann Street onto campus between 7–9 AM and 12–3 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Please do not park in the dental office lot across the street—violators may be towed at the owner’s expense.

For Betty Reid @ Pinole Middle School questions, more information, or volunteer opportunities, families may contact Community School Director Ms. Kenitra Mitchell at kmitchell@wccusd.net.

A view of the Fernandez Park baseball field on a sunny day.

FERNANDEZ PARK LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS

Now happening at Fernandez Park, is the improvements on the lighting system for the baseball field. The Musco lighting project will provide the Community Services Department with significantly greater control and flexibility in managing field lighting at the baseball fields. Once operational, staff will be able to program lighting based on confirmed field reservations, ensuring lights are available when needed for scheduled practices and games while avoiding unnecessary usage when fields are not reserved. This will improve the customer experience for field users, streamline staff operations, and provide greater control over energy use and associated costs.

An aerial view of the Appian Way overcrossing.

APPIAN WAY OVERCROSSING EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Caltrans has informed the City of Pinole that they are moving forward with an emergency replacement of the Appian Way overcrossing following structural failures that resulted in two full closures over the past year. Caltrans engineers have been developing the new bridge design since the initial closure in July 2025, with construction currently targeted to begin in late October 2026, weather permitting. To complete the replacement, the southbound Appian bridge is expected to close for approximately three months, while the northbound bridge will remain open. Exact closure dates have not yet been determined. Caltrans is working to expedite construction and minimize impacts to the community, and the City will share additional information as it becomes available.

A pothole that was filled recently on Fitzgerald Drive. 

PUBLIC WORKS REPAIRED 320 POTHOLES IN JULY

In July 2026, our Public Works crew stayed busy keeping our community in great shape—repairing 320 potholes across the city and addressing 300 work orders for public restroom cleaning and maintenance. Thank you to our dedicated staff for their continued hard work! As always, we appreciate the community’s help—please treat public restrooms with care so they remain safe and accessible for everyone.

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/

A Greener Pinole

Free, fresh, high-quality compost in the Pinole Valley Park baseball field parking lot. 

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.

Reminders

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.

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. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, August 25, 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.

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

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.

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