We Want to Hear From You

If you cannot attend the Artifical Intelligence (AI) Policy Workshop, we encourage you to complete our brief survey.

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Finance Subcommittee Meeting - Wed, Sept. 23, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

Community Services Commission - Wed, Sept. 23, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall - CANCELED

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Sept. 28, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Council Meeting - Tues, Oct. 6, 5:30pm - Zoom/City Hall - CANCELED

Wastewater Subcommittee Meeting - Thurs, Oct. 15, 7-8:30pm - 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

Native Gardening & Sheet Mulching Demo - Fri, Sept. 18, 10am-12pm - Pinole Valley Community Church

Coastal Cleanup Day - Sat, Sept. 19, 9am-12pm - Bayfront Park

AI Policy Workshop - Tues, Sept. 22, 6-8pm - City Hall (Community Room)

News & Updates

A "Road Work Ahead" sign posted on Shea Drive. 

CITY BREAKS GROUND ON ROAD REHABILITATION

The City of Pinole is proud to launch the Pavement Rehabilitation Project -- an important milestone in the City’s ongoing commitment to improving local infrastructure and enhancing roadway safety for all residents. This achievement reflects years of careful planning, strong public engagement, and diligent effort across multiple City departments.

Road rehabilitation will start on Shea Drive, improving approximately half a mile of roadway stretching from Pinole Valley Road to Sarah Drive and completely restore the roadway’s current Pavement Condition Index (PCI) from 24 to 100.

The project includes new pavement, ADA‑compliant curb ramps, a high‑visibility crosswalk, parabolic speed bumps, and raised crosswalks. Construction will use a grind-and-overlay process starting with concrete enhancements, followed by final paving in October. The Shea Drive project is primarily funded by Gas Tax and Measure J and the remaining amount is sourced from Vehicle Impact Fees and grants. Read the full article. 

A close-up look at Tennent Avenue. 

HOW THE CITY PRIORITIZES ROAD REPAIR

Road repair decisions are typically guided by something called the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which rates every street on a scale from 0 to 100. A newly paved street starts at 100, and the higher the score, the simpler and more affordable the maintenance.

Streets with PCI above 85 generally only need monitoring. Those in the 70–84 range can usually be maintained with lighter treatments, such as crack sealing or slurry sealing. When a street’s PCI drops to between 69–55, it typically requires a corrective treatment like a thin mill with a chip seal or a micro‑surfacing.

As conditions worsen and PCI falls between 54–40, a more involved, structural repair becomes necessary. Repair options generally require a Mill and Fill type repair, which involves grinding 2 to 3 inches of pavement (Mill) and overlaying it with new asphalt (Fill). Streets below 40 require a full reconstruction, which is the most expensive option, which requires a full depth removal of asphalt and then replacement with new asphalt. Because costs increase as conditions decline, keeping streets in the 70 and above range is the most efficient and cost effective way to maintain the system.

To make the best use of available funding, streets are grouped into project areas based on similar repair needs, maximizing overall impact. When a street falls below a PCI of 40, additional factors - such as proximity to schools, whether the road is residential or a major arterial, and whether utility providers (like PG&E or EBMUD) have upcoming underground work - help determine priority. Coordinating with utilities allows cost‑sharing and helps ensure pavement work isn’t undone by future construction.

Two Public Works Maintenance Workers paint a red curb near downtown Pinole on Tennent Avenue. 

RED CURBS GET A REFRESH

Public Works crews are currently repainting dozens of red curbs throughout Pinole, giving both our downtown and surrounding neighborhoods a much‑needed refresh. These updates will improve visibility, enhance parking safety, and help keep traffic flowing smoothly.

As you see our Public Works Maintenance Workers out in the community painting curbs or completing other maintenance tasks, please remember to drive carefully and give them plenty of space to work. They’re focused on completing scheduled projects safely, so we kindly ask that you avoid interrupting them in the field with on-the-spot service requests. If you have a request or notice an issue, please submit it online through “Report a Problem” or call 510‑724‑0910. This helps ensure your concern is logged promptly and routed to the right team. [link]: www.pinole.gov/services/contact-us/report-a-problem/

A Westcat bus stop on Pinole Valley Road. 

HEY STUDENTS! FREE BUS PASSES AVAILABLE FOR WESTCAT

Pass2Class offers free bus passes to Contra Costa students at the beginning of the school year to encourage the use of bus transportation to and from school. Pass2Class reduces traffic congestion and air pollution by reducing the number of cars being driven to school. The 2026 program still has passes available for WestCAT and AC Transit bus passes for up to two (2) students per household for up to two months. Parents / legal guardians must apply online [link]: https://www.westcat.org/home/PromoPass2Class

Inside the Council Chambers

K9 Milo receiving a proclamation in honor of his retirement as a therapy canine.

At the September 15, 2026 meeting, City Council awarded proclamations to recognize Constitution Day, National Suicide Prevention Day and Week, California Firefighter Memorial Day, the 40th Anniversary of the Pinole Community Players, and honored K9 Milo and Officer Jennifer Witschi.

The City Council approved a resolution formally retiring K9 Milo, the Police Department’s beloved therapy dog, and transferring him to his longtime handler, Officer Jennifer Witschi, for a nominal fee of $1.00. Milo, a nine‑year‑old black Labrador who has spent eight years providing comfort, support, and connection throughout the community, has reached an appropriate stage for retirement. Milo spent the past few weeks visiting Pinole schools as part of his farewell tour, bidding an emotional goodbye as students honored their beloved canine friend. His transition to Officer Witschi reflects both standard practice for therapy canine retirements and the strong bond formed through years of dedicated service.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM COUNCIL

Matthew Brown, Interim Public Works Director, provided an overview of upcoming road improvement projects and ongoing traffic safety efforts on Mann Drive. Another detailed Public Works update will be presented at the next City Council meeting.

Following his report, Community Services Director Andrea Dwyer announced that the West Contra Costa County Youth Soccer League (WCCYSL) has committed to gifting the City of Pinole $107,000 to rehabilitate the Pinole Valley Park West Soccer Field. The City previously partnered with WCCYSL on park improvement projects in 2012 and 2024, and this new contribution continues to strengthen a valuable community partnership. Director Dwyer emphasized that this community-supported investment will enhance youth sports and expand recreational opportunities for both Pinole residents and soccer participants. The project is also expected to create potential revenue for the City through future field rentals and reservations. Overall, the rehabilitation will significantly improve the quality and usability of Pinole Valley Park.

Public Hearing Results

At its September 15, 2026 meeting, the City Council held a public hearing on an appeal related to the Pinole Shores II project, a proposed approximately 120,000‑square‑foot industrial building at 836–848 San Pablo Avenue. The appeal followed the Planning Commission’s denial of an extension of the project’s entitlements. After receiving public comment and discussing the item, the Council continued the hearing to its next meeting for further review.

Watch the meeting video [link]: https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/nxgRww0afzGlqmpU3Ylgjl5EjjOiRjMT/media/1045944

A Greener Pinole

Volunteers help pick up trash along Pinole shores on Coastal Cleanup Day. 

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY FOR COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

Join us at Bayfront Park this Saturday, September 19th between 9am and 12pm for Coastal Cleanup Day. This is a statewide effort to beautify our California coastlines. Join dozens of local volunteers in cleaning up litter from Pinole Shores. By doing so, you’re not just protecting wildlife on land — you’re helping safeguard the countless species that depend on the sea. This is an amazing and fun way to earn community service hours for school, or simply be a good steward in our community.

Freshly laid sheet mulch in a shady garden space. Photo courtesy of the Pinole Garden Club.

FREE EVENT: NATIVE GARDENING AND SHEET MULCHING DEMO

Join the Pinole Pollinator Pathway, Pinole Garden Club and Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed at a community-wide lawn replacement event. You will learn why lawn replacement is important, how to sheet-mulch your lawn for planning, what plants are "native" and where you can find them, what pollinators you will start to see in your native plant garden and what rebates are available to help you transition from lawn to natives. The event is available this Friday September 18 and Saturday October 3 from 10 am -12 pm at Pinole Valley Community Church (2885 Pinole Valley Road). Thanks in advance!

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR ENERGY BILL

Looking for ways to save on your energy bill? The BayREN EASE Home Program provides energy efficiency upgrades to income-qualified residents of single-family homes. Improvements are customized to the needs of your home and can include insulation, duct sealing, duct system repair or replacement, induction stoves, and more. These upgrades are installed by qualified program contractors and designed to make homes energy efficient and comfortable year-round.

Average project costs range from $5,000 to $7,000. BayREN covers 80% of project costs. Participating households are responsible for the remaining 20%. Visit BayREN.org/ease-home to learn more and apply.

If you have any questions, please contact the Contra Costa County Energy Team at energy@dcd.cccounty.us.

Reminders

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Get ready to take your business to new heights! Join us on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 10am-1pm at the Berkeley Country Club (7901 Cutting Blvd. El Cerrito), for the West County Business Roundtable: “Taking Your Business to the Next Level." This collaborative event—hosted by West County cities and Contra Costa County partners—brings together a powerhouse lineup of free resources for local businesses.

Discover funding opportunities, employer tax credits, management tools, workforce training, startup guidance, marketing support, and more. Whether you’re looking to grow, streamline, or strengthen your business, this workshop offers invaluable insights and connections to help you thrive. This event is highly recommended for all small businesses in West Contra Costa—don’t miss it! Register now. 

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. The newly established quarterly Finance Subcommittee Meetings 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.

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.

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.

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. 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 will be in October 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

Save the date for the City of Pinole’s annual Dumpster Day 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