Greetings from the City Manager

Dear Pinole Residents,

I have truly enjoyed my first few weeks — meeting staff, community members, residents, and businesses who make Pinole such a beautiful and welcoming City.  In my conversations with you, I have heard both pride in what makes Pinole special and a shared desire to address areas where we can improve and grow. 

I am excited about the opportunity to help Pinole achieve long-term fiscal stability. I am grateful for the collaboration with the City Council as we recently responded to the Civil Grand Jury report.

I am approaching Pinole’s budget with discipline and identifying opportunities to strengthen long-term stability rather than short-term fixes. I believe fiscal strategy must be paired with clear communication and community engagement. The most effective plans are those in which the Council and the public understand the trade-offs and are aligned on a shared path forward. 

I look forward to working together as we build a stronger, more resilient future for Pinole.

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.

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, July 27, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall - CANCELED

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Aug. 10, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

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

Community Services Commission Meeting - Wed, Aug. 26, 5pm - 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

Backpack Drive - Thurs, Aug. 13, 2-5pm - Pinole Police Department (Alex Clark Room)

City Hall Art Exhibit Reception - Tues, Sept. 15, 4-5pm - City Hall

UPCOMING CLOSURE

City Hall and Community Services Department facilities will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Inside the Council Chambers

A view of the City of Pinole Council Meeting as seen through Pinole Community TV.

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

At its July 21, 2026 meeting, the Pinole City Council issued a proclamation to honor Bastille Day.

Council Approves Response to Civil Grand Jury Report

The City Council has approved and authorized the Mayor to sign Pinole’s official response to Contra Costa County Grand Jury Report No. 2604, “Pinole’s Future: It’s a Rough Road Ahead.” After reviewing the report, staff identified 26 findings requiring formal responses indicating whether the City agrees, disagrees, or partially disagrees—along with explanations for any disputed portions—and also addressed six recommendations directed to the City. The City of Pinole recognizes the seriousness of the issues raised by the Civil Grand Jury and remains committed to addressing these challenges through responsible fiscal management, transparent communication, and long‑term planning.

City Council also approved the City’s updated One‑Time Revenue Policy and Prioritization of Non‑Recurring Resources, strengthening Pinole’s long‑term fiscal strategy. As part of the motion, the Council directed that 100 percent of all future one‑time revenue from property sales be allocated to the City’s Section 115 Trust and deposited directly into the fund. The policy affirms the City’s commitment to maintaining a diversified and stable revenue base and ensures that non‑recurring resources are used only for one‑time needs such as rebuilding reserves, retiring debt early, investing in capital projects, and reducing unfunded CalPERS and OPEB liabilities.

Watch the full video.

News & Updates

Community members sit with City staff and GHD to discuss the Active Transportation Plan. 

A member of Bike East Bay shares ideas for future bicycle routes in Pinole. 

COMMUNITY INPUT SHAPES PINOLE'S ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FUTURE

GHD presented an overview on the latest version of Pinole’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP) on July 23, 2026, summarizing the updated planning framework, highlighting how new methodologies, bicycle route classifications, and recent speed limit changes inform the City’s approach to improving mobility. Revised concept plans for key corridors (San Pablo Avenue, Pinole Valley Road/Tennent, Appian Way, and Fitzgerald Drive) were presented and GHD explained how community feedback gathered in earlier outreach shaped these concepts. The presentation also outlined proposed network improvements, cost estimates and potential funding strategies, the criteria used to prioritize projects, and the timeline for next steps as the plan moves toward council adoption. Community members participated actively throughout the workshop, asking questions and offering ideas that will inform the next revision of the ATP as well as future roadway projects. While most of the proposed ATP improvements are currently unfunded and may rely heavily on grant funding, staff expressed that community support and partnership will remain essential as we work towards improving the City's transportation network.

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.

Members of the Pinole Police Department as they hand out school supplies to students in the community. 

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR PINOLE PD'S ANNUAL BACKPACK DRIVE

School is almost back in session! Mark your calendars for Pinole’s Annual Backpack Giveaway on Thursday, August 13 at 2 p.m. at the Pinole Police Department’s Alex Clark Room—while supplies last. Pinole residents can pick up free backpacks filled with school supplies, suitable for students from Pre‑K through high school, and children must be present to receive a bag. Last year, the event provided 95 fully stocked backpacks to local families, and the department hopes to match that success again this year. Community members are encouraged to support the effort by donating school supplies, including:

• glue sticks
• pencil pouches
• sanitizers
• rulers
• crayons
• markers
• colored pencils
• scissors
• erasers
• white‑out

All donations are greatly appreciated, and we thank you in advance for your support! Items may be dropped off at the Police Department Records Office on the second floor of the Public Safety Building at 880 Tennent Avenue by August 5. For more information, contact pdcommunityoutreach@pinole.gov. 

An owl peers out from a hole in its owl box. 

OWL BOXES INSTALLED TO CONTROL RODENT POPULATION

Public Works is excited to share that 3 new owl boxes have been installed in Fernandez Park (2) and at the Senior Center (1). Owl boxes provide an effective, natural way to help control the rodent population, which can damage fields and create nuisance conditions. Owl boxes encourage male owls to establish territory and attract a mate—owls typically pair for life. A single owl box can support a family of up to six owlets and reduce rodent numbers by an estimated 3000 per box annually. If you come across an owl box, please enjoy observing it from a respectful distance so our local owl families can thrive.

The colorful and welcoming reception area of the air conditioned Senior Center. 

STAY COOL THIS SUMMER

Feeling warm during the summer? The Pinole Senior Center, located at 2500 Charles Avenue) is a cooling center and is the perfect place to escape this heat! Visit the Senior Center during business hours and cool off with your local community. When high temperatures are expected, Cal OES reminds residents to take extra precautions during heat waves. Avoid strenuous activity between 12 and 6 p.m., stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and sunscreen, and never leave children or pets in a vehicle, where temperatures can rise dangerously fast. Extreme heat can lead to illness, and early symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea, and dizziness; seek medical attention if you experience a rapid pulse, feel unstable, or have a body temperature above 102 degrees. Keeping cool with cold showers or compresses and ensuring pets have fresh water can help prevent heat-related emergencies.

UPCOMING LANE CLOSURE ON CARQUINEZ BRIDGE WB I-80

Caltrans will implement a one‑lane and shoulder closure on westbound I‑80 across the Carquinez (Alfred Zampa Memorial) Bridge from Friday, August 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. through Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. as crews prepare for an upcoming 53‑hour full deck replacement closure. While the pedestrian and bike path will remain open, motorists should expect delays and use caution around construction equipment and workers throughout the closure period. For real-time traffic, visit the Caltrans QuickMap website [link]: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

A Greener Pinole

NO-COST BUILDING PERMITS - GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST!

Pinole homeowners can now take advantage of no-cost building permits through a full permit rebate for qualifying heat pump heating, cooling, and water‑heating installations. These permit rebates help make energy‑efficient upgrades even more affordable and can be combined with incentives from the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program (PEER), Marin Clean Energy, Golden State, and BayREN—allowing some households to reduce project costs by as much as 85%.

This permit‑rebate offering is made possible through funding from the California Energy Commission’s Decarbonization Grant, supporting Pinole’s efforts to accelerate adoption of clean, all‑electric home technologies. Rebates are limited and first‑come, first‑served, so residents are encouraged to take advantage soon.

Homeowners can also access free upgrade assistance through the City’s partner, QuitCarbon, including help with contractor selection, bid review, and rebate stacking. Learn more at www.pinole.gov/concierge.

Two smiling volunteers show up to help clean Pinole Creek. Photo courtesy of Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed.

FRIENDS OF PINOLE CREEK PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

The Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed held another successful cleanup last weekend, bringing together 19 dedicated volunteers who removed 153.5 pounds of trash—about 80 gallons—along with a shopping cart and two tires from the creek area. The group meets once a month to clean different sections of Pinole Creek, helping keep our community beautiful, healthy, and safe for everyone. If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on way to protect our local environment, join the next cleanup and be part of the positive impact!

Reminders

 CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE NOMINATION PERIOD THROUGH AUGUST 7

Thinking about serving your community? Three City Council seats will be on the ballot this November. The nomination period for prospective candidates runs from July 13 through August 7, and appointments are required to pull nomination paperwork. Those interested in running are encouraged to contact City Clerk Heather Bell‑Spears at hbell@pinole.gov or (510) 724‑8928 to schedule an appointment or learn more about the process. Additional details are available on the City’s Elections Information webpage. 

Pinole operates under a Council‑Manager form of government, with five at‑large Councilmembers serving four‑year terms and the Mayor rotating annually among the Council. If you would like to learn more about City Council responsibilities, we invite you to watch a meeting or explore recent agendas online at [link]: https://pinoleca.portal.civicclerk.com/.

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

TINY TOTS PROGRAMS (Ages 3-5)

Registration opens Wednesday, July 29 for the Tiny Tots Fall Programs!

For children ages 3–5, the Pre-K program (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–12:00pm) offers a fun and engaging environment with active play, arts and crafts, songs, story time, and hands-on activities.

NEW! Afternoon Adventures (Monday–Friday, 12:00pm–4:00pm) provides families the option to offer your child opportunities to create, explore, and play. Children must be toilet-trained to register. 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 at 8am for Senior Center members on Monday, August 17, and 8am 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 or stop by the senior center to complete registration.  If you have any questions, please email mjamison@pinole.gov or call 510-724-9800.

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

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) 724-9026.

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, July 28, 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, August 10, 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.

CITY HALL ART EXHIBIT

The Pinole Artisans are very 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.

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