We Want to Hear From You

HOUSING COMMUNITY INPUT SURVEY

We'd like to hear your thoughts so our housing policies reflect your priorities. Complete this ten minute survey for a chance to win a $25 Pinole Perks gift card! By filling out the survey and providing your contact information, you’ll be entered into a random drawing for one of four Pinole Perks gift cards, redeemable at participating local businesses in Pinole.

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission Meeting (Parklets Workshop)  - Mon, Dec. 8, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Special City Council Meeting - Tues, Dec. 9, 5pm -  Zoom/City Hall

TAPS Committee Meeting - Wed, Dec. 10, 6-7:30pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Dec. 16, 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.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Holiday Tree Lighting Event - Sat, Dec. 6, 3-6:30pm - Fernandez Park

Holiday Breakfast - Sat, Dec. 13, 9-11:00am - Pinole Senior Center

Pinole Creek Cleanup - Sat, Dec. 20, 10am-12pm - Fernandez Park

HOLIDAY CLOSURE

City Hall and Community Services facilities will be closed to the public from December 24 - January 2, and will open again on Monday, January 5, 2026 (City employees will still be present to answer emails and phone calls).

City Hall will be closed in observance of Christmas on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25, and on New Year's Day.

Inside the Council Chambers

During public comment, Planning Commissioner Gabriel Sandoval shares his thoughts about potentially adding chapter 2.68 to title 2 of the Pinole Municipal Code.

Acting City Manager and Police Chief Melissa Klawuhn answers a question from Councilmember Murphy.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM COUNCIL

The Pinole City Council voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance that would restrict the use of City-owned or City-controlled property for federal civil immigration enforcement activities, except when required by a valid judicial warrant or court order. Following a public hearing, the Council supported establishing these locations as “ICE-Free Zones” to strengthen community trust, ensure residents feel safe accessing City services, and align with similar actions taken by neighboring jurisdictions. City Attorney Casher clarified a question for council: "This would not make Pinole a sanctuary city because this is not a sanctuary city policy." The ordinance outlines clear limitations on the use of City property for staging, processing, surveillance, or operational purposes related to civil immigration enforcement and directs staff to develop procedures and training for consistent implementation. Minor administrative costs may occur, but no significant fiscal impact is anticipated. Read a copy of the ordinance. 

At its recent meeting, the Pinole City Council voted 3–1 (Councilmember Norma Martinez-Rubin was absent) to move forward with directing staff to bring back a summary plan of the necessary steps and timeline for placing a measure on the November 2026 ballot asking voters whether the City should transition to an elected mayor system. The discussion followed previous presentations on the topic and reviewed state requirements, procedural steps, and potential implications for the City’s governance structure. If ultimately approved by voters, the change would create a designated mayor’s seat elected directly by the community, with term options of two or four years. The ballot measure is estimated to cost approximately $30,000, with additional costs possible as staff and legal experts support the process.

View the full meeting video and presentations.

Pinole City Council discusses the topic of transitioning to an elected mayor system.

News & Updates

The newly revealed sign on the Public Works maintenance building, now named: Robert Walker Jr. Corporation Yard.

ROBERT WALKER JR. CORPORATION YARD

The City of Pinole has officially renamed Public Works maintenance yard (known by staff as the "Corp Yard") to the Robert Walker Jr. Corporation Yard in loving memory of Robert Walker Jr., the longest-serving employee in City history with an extraordinary 45 years of dedicated service. On November 21, 2025 - Robert's birthday - an intimate dedication was held by his Public Works coworkers, City staff, Council Member Toms, and the Walker family, honoring Robert’s kindness, pride, and unwavering commitment to keeping Pinole running beautifully. We extend our gratitude to the staff who championed this tribute, to the City Council for making the renaming official, and to the Walker family for graciously sharing Robert’s legacy with our community. His name will now greet our Public Works team every morning, forever.

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE - HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

The City of Pinole will close San Pablo Avenue between Tennent Avenue and Fernandez Avenue on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event. The Park View Plaza parking lot will also be closed and unavailable during this time.

Detours will be in place using Tennent Avenue and Old Pinole Valley Road, as well as Fernandez Avenue, Plum Street, and Tennent Avenue. Public transportation may experience delays or minor adjustments.

Please plan ahead, follow all posted detours, and use caution when driving near the event area, as pedestrian activity is expected to increase. Emergency vehicles will have access through designated routes.

Members of the Pinole Police Department and volunteers with shopping carts full of toys at Target.

DONATE A TOY TO MAKE A CHILD'S HOLIDAY VERY SPECIAL

The Pinole Police Department is collecting new, unused, and unwrapped toys for children at Oakland Children’s Hospital, and the community is invited to help spread holiday cheer. Donations can be dropped off in the Police Department lobby Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 11th. Suggested items include toys for all ages, board games, puzzles, books, stuffed animals, and art kits. Community members can also stop by Target at 1400 Fitzgerald Drive on December 11 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to help fill the Mobile Command Trailer with donations, with hot chocolate and cookies generously provided by Peat Street Bistro. Questions may be directed to pdcommunityoutreach@pinole.gov or call 510-914-0480. Let’s come together to make the season brighter for these amazing kids.

Visit City Hall during business hours to see a beautiful display of over 15 artworks.

COME SEE THE ART DISPLAY IN CITY HALL

Stop by City Hall and enjoy the vibrant new artwork brightening the 1st floor! This exciting new program, launched in partnership with the Pinole Artisans, showcases framed works by our own talented local artists. Exhibits will rotate every 2–3 months, giving residents fresh reasons to visit and discover Pinole’s creative spirit.

Whether you’re dropping off a form or just passing through, take a moment to admire the pieces and celebrate the artists who make our community so special. Huge thanks to the Pinole Artisans for this wonderful collaboration! Learn more. 

WCCUSD STRIKE IN EFFECT - DRIVE CAREFULLY AROUND SCHOOL CAMPUSES

A teacher's strike is in effect at West Contra Costa County Unified School District K-12 schools. Community members should be aware that this may create increased traffic and activity around school campuses. Please plan for extra travel time, use caution when driving near schools, and stay alert for students, families, and staff who may be present in larger numbers than usual.

NOTICE TO MERCHANTS -- LICENSE RENEWAL TIME

Attention Business Owners – 2025 Pinole Business Licenses will expire on December 31, 2025. Business license taxes for 2026 are due on December 31, 2025 and become delinquent on February 1, 2026, at which time unpaid taxes are subject to a 50% penalty. There is no change to the business license tax rate for calendar year 2026. The tax for the basic business license is $168.00 per year (not including the $4.00 AB 1379 state mandated fee).

Business license renewal forms are being mailed out November 26, 2025. Renewal forms are mailed to you as a courtesy; we make every effort to make sure that a renewal form is mailed to each active business. If you do not receive a renewal form, it is the business owner’s responsibility to pay the business license tax by January 31, 2026. Please remit your payment to:

City of Pinole
Attn: Business License Dept
2131 Pear St
Pinole, CA 94564

For your convenience, information is available on our website at www.pinole.gov. Select doing business then licenses, permits & inspections where you will also find information on how to process your renewal online.

If you are no longer conducting business, please check the Inactive box in the upper right hand corner of the courtesy renewal form, sign it and return it to us. This will prevent any unnecessary collection activity.

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”

How to submit a request through the City of Pinole app:

1. Click on “Contact us”
2. Click on “Report an Issue”
3. Click on “Report a Public Property Issue”
4. 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!

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.

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!

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING EVENT

Dash into this holiday season by attending the Holiday Tree Lighting Event! On Saturday, December 6 from 3pm-6:30pm, enjoy jolly festivities of children's activities, food trucks, a community Shop & Stroll, and a Tree Lighting Ceremony. All event activities will be held at Community Corner (San Pablo Avenue & Tennent Avenue). For questions, please contact recreation@pinole.gov. 

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST

Have a magical morning with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the annual holiday breakfast! Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, and orange juice on Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Senior Center. Tickets are $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents and can be purchased in person at the Senior Center or online at www.pinolerec.com.  For questions, contact (510) 724-9800 or email recreation@pinole.gov.  

GLOW PINOLE

Deck the halls this holiday season by decorating your Pinole home or business and joining Glow Pinole, a holiday decorating contest! Participants may choose one category to enter, and each entry will be featured on an interactive holiday map for the community to view, vote on, and enjoy. Registration opens December 1, and all homes and businesses must be registered by December 14 at www.pinolerec.com. 

WINTER CAMPS (3-12)

Registration is now open for Winter Break Camps for children ages 3–5 at Tiny Tots and 6–12 at the Youth Center. Kids will enjoy a week full of frosty fun, creative crafts, exciting games, and festive activities. Each day brings new adventures that spark imagination and celebrate the joy of the season. Camps are offered in two sessions: Session 1 on December 22, 23, and 26, and Session 2 on December 29, 30, and January 2. Don’t miss out, register today at www.pinolerec.com. For questions, please email recreation@pinole.gov or contact (510) 724-9800. 

FAMILY YOGA

Bring the family together for movement and mindfulness by joining Yoga Classes this fall. Certified instructors blend play, focus, and balance in a fun environment.  Now offering family classes for all to enjoy! Don’t miss the fun, sign up today 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, December 8, 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 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. 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!

SANDBAGS

Sand and Sandbags are now available again! They are located in the public parking lot at the end of Prune and Pear Streets (at St. Joseph’s School). Please only fill bags up to 2/3rds with sand for maximum effectiveness. Please leave the area clean and usable for others. We would also kindly like to ask to only use the sand and bags for your private use, as supplies are limited. Thank you!