Greetings from the City Manager

Hello, Wonderful Pinole Residents!

August is here, wrapping us in summer’s glow and inviting us to enjoy a vibrant lineup of community events! I’m excited to share some highlights as we savor these warm days together.

Join us on August 15, for our Summer Series Movie at Fernandez Park at sundown—grab your blankets, chairs, and snacks for Inside Out 2 under the stars!

Mark your calendars for Pinole’s First ArtWalk on August 29 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Downtown Pinole. Stroll through charming streets filled with local and regional artists showcasing handmade crafts and gallery openings. Enjoy refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks at welcoming shops and restaurants hosting unique artwork. This vibrant evening celebrates our creative community, and I encourage everyone to come out, support our local artists, and cheer on Pinole’s thriving downtown businesses!

Our new “Business Spotlight” segment is live! Each edition will highlight both new and longtime Pinole businesses, celebrating the entrepreneurs who make our city thrive. We invite our business owners to fill out the survey and share their insights to help us showcase the heart of our local economy.

Thank you for making Pinole such a vibrant place to call home!

We Want to Hear From You

PINOLE ART WALK

Join us for the First-Ever Pinole Art Walk on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Downtown Pinole. Stroll through the charming streets to enjoy fine art, local galleries,FREE kids' activities, Live painting, artisan vendors, and vibrant downtown businesses. Complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided, making it a delightful evening to discover handmade creations and support local talent. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages. Artists can showcase their work at no cost and sign up by Monday, August 18, and businesses can host an artist to be featured on the event map and advertise your businesses. Register at www.pinole.gov/pinole-art-walk to participate and help celebrate Pinole’s creative community.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE GENERAL PLAN WORKSHOP: FOCUS ON SAFETY & ECONOMIC JUSTICE ELEMENTS

The City of Pinole is updating its Safety Element—addressing hazards, emergency response, and climate action—and creating a new Environmental Justice Element to replace the Health Element in its General Plan. The draft plan helps promote equity by improving access to transit, healthy food, parks, recreation, and medical services; supporting local farmers markets; addressing pollution and socioeconomic factors; and fostering partnerships with schools. Residents are encouraged to learn about the General Plan elements and share feedback—your voice matters in building a healthier, more equitable Pinole. The workshop will be on Wednesday, August 27 from 6-8pm at the Pinole Library, or you can participate by Zoom (details coming soon). 

DOES PINOLE WANT MORE PRINT OR DIGITAL OUTREACH?

The City of Pinole wants to know—would residents of Pinole prefer outreach through print or digital channels? Your feedback will help us fine-tune our approach, ensuring we reach you in the most effective way possible. This quick 5-question survey will guide us in bridging any communication gaps and better serving our community. Please take a moment to let us know your preference. Thank you, Pinole neighbors!

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, August 25, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall 

City Council Meeting - Tues, Sept. 2, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Sept. 8, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Sept. 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.

CITY-SPONSORED EVENTS

Community Cleanup - Sat, Aug. 16, 10am-12pm - Upper watershed

Movies at the Park: Inside Out 2- Friday, Aug. 15, 8:15-10:30pm - Fernandez Park

Senior Food Program - Tues, Aug. 26, 10-11am - Senior Center

General Plan Workshop - Wed, Aug. 27, 6-8pm - Pinole Library 

Pinole Art Walk - Friday, August 29, 5-8pm - Downtown Pinole

Step- By- Step Making your Home More Accessible - Thurs, Sept. 4, 12-1pm - Senior Center

Coastal Cleanup Day - Sat, Sept. 20, 8:30am-12pm - Bayfront Park

***City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 In Observance of Labor Day

SHINING A LIGHT ON PINOLE'S AMAZING BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Grand Ribbon Cutting with Pinole Council Members

Berkeley Humane – A New Haven for Cats and Dogs 

Welcome Berkeley Humane to Pinole since summer 2025! Relocating from Berkeley, this dedicated organization is now ready to serve our local cats and dogs. They celebrated their Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting on August 1st, joined by Council Members Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, and Toms at their new location inside PetSmart on Fitzgerald Drive. With over 125 years of trusted service and commitment, Berkeley Humane brings life-saving programs to our community.

Visit https://berkeleyhumane.org/ or stop by to show your support! 

📍 Visit: 1380 Fitzgerald Drive Pinole, CA

Pinole PD having fun during the Fro-yo Event

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt – Spreading Smiles in Pinole Since 2019

Since July 2019, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt has been delighting Pinole with delicious frozen yogurt, froyo cakes, and sorbets. What sets them apart? Their mission to bring happiness and a smile to every visitor. Last month, they celebrated their 6th anniversary🎉 with a Froyo with Pinole Police event, giving out 50 free ice creams to kids. Stop by to enjoy a sweet treat and support this local gem! Visit https://www.menchies.com/ or stop by to show your support! 

📍 Visit: 1358 Fitzgerald Drive, Pinole, CA

🌟 BE OUR NEXT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT!

We’re excited to launch Pinole’s Business Spotlight—a new way to highlight and celebrate the incredible businesses that make our community unique.

Each edition of the Pinole Pulse will feature:

• One new business bringing fresh energy to town, and
• One long-standing business we know and love

Sharing something exciting—like a grand opening, special offer, or anniversary? We’d be proud to spotlight your story in the Pinole Pulse!

Interested in being featured?

Submit your interest to be considered for an upcoming spotlight. To qualify, businesses must:

• Hold a valid City of Pinole business license
• Have no open code enforcement cases

Let’s celebrate Pinole’s vibrant business community—one spotlight at a time!

News & Updates

Pinole Police Department employees and volunteers get ready to hand out backpacks and school supplies.

PINOLE POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKPACK GIVEAWAY A HUGE SUCCESS

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible community for making the Pinole Police Department’s Back-to-School Drive a success! Your generosity ensures local students start the school year prepared and confident. We’re especially grateful to our event sponsors and partners—the Pinole Police Employees Association (PPEA), Recreation Coordinator Christine Murray, and Council Member Norma Martinez-Rubin—as well as the many caring citizens who donated school supplies. Your support makes a real difference, and together we’re building a stronger, more connected Pinole.

Fritzi Gros-Daillon speaks to attendees about motion-sensor lights for your home. 

LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE

Today at the Senior Center, an Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Fritzi Gros-Daillon gave an educational presentation about how to make your home safer and more livable using AARP's award-winning HomeFit Guide. The class is perfect for older adults, caregivers, or anyone interested in improving home accessibility! This workshop kicked off an Accessible Living (PAL) Workshop Series which is funded through an AARP Community Challenge grant. The PAL series includes SIX FREE WORKSHOPS at the Pinole Senior Center focused on helping older adults and individuals with disabilities make their homes safer, more accessible, and better suited for aging in place.

The next workshop will be held on Thursday, September 4th at the Senior Center from 12-1pm. Sign up and join us during lunch time to learn more about how to make your home safer! A terrific lunch is available at the Senior Center (order lunch in advance).

PAL AMBASSADORS ARE NEEDED! Join our volunteer team to assist during workshops.

PCTV Coordinator Dave Snell and PCTV Technician Erick Wilson pose for a photo with the new equipment. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION

The City thanks Bob Kopp for his generous donation of a stream deck to Pinole Community Television (PCTV). The equipment will help PCTV enhance streaming and content creation by giving PCTV staff more automated control of broadcast activities. Bob Kopp is a long-standing member of the community, and has been volunteering with PCTV for over 20 years. Thank you Bob for your stewardship and generosity! Learn more about becoming a PCTV sponsor.

The City would also like to thank all of the generous donors who donated backpacks, school supplies, and their time to the Pinole Police Department to hand out to Pinole students!

I-80 and APPIAN WAY/CUMMINGS SKYWAY NIGHT WORK AND CLOSURES WORK

To complete critical bridge maintenance and upgrades, Caltrans has started overnight closures and safety improvements on the I-80 overcrossings at Appian Way and Cummings Skyway this month, bringing lane closures and two weekend-long full closures on Appian Way.

Appian Way Night Work – Started Mon, Aug 11, 7 PM–7 AM: one southbound lane open on Appian Way with alternating EB/WB I-80 lane closures.

Full Closures – SB Appian Way & NB on-ramp to WB I-80:

Weekend 1: Aug 16–18

Weekend 2: Aug 23–25

Each closure will last 55 hours.

Changeable message signs will be in place, but drivers should plan ahead and expect delays. For real-time updates, check QuickMap, follow @CaltransD4, or call 1-800-427-ROAD. More detailed information from CalTrans can also be found on the flyer towards the end of this newsletter. 

INTERESTED IN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS?

The City of Pinole is making it easier to build and legalize Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)! Join us at upcoming pop-up events to learn more and get resources.  Look out for more information on our upcoming ADU webinar and office hours to learn more about the Fast Track and Amnesty programs. Dates coming soon!

A Greener Pinole

Pinole Creek, photo courtesy of the Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed.

PINOLE CREEK CLEAN-UP A BIG SUCCESS

Last month’s Creek Cleanup was a big success, bringing together 23 dedicated volunteers on a sunny Saturday morning at Fernandez Park. From there, teams fanned out—some tackling the trash that had washed ashore under the EBRPD Bay Trail bridge, possibly carried in from Pinole Creek, while others worked their way along the creek in the park and upstream all the way to Tennent. Together, they removed 83.2 pounds of trash plus an abandoned office chair (estimated at 35 pounds) for a total of 118.2 pounds collected, filling an impressive 110 gallons of debris. The result: cleaner water, a healthier environment, and a community that’s proud of its shared effort.

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE ON EV'S

Federal tax credits of $7,500 for new electric vehicles and up to $4,000 for used EVs are still available—but only until September 30 due to recent federal policy changes. This is a great opportunity for residents to save money while making the switch to clean, affordable driving. Don’t miss out—learn how to maximize your savings by signing up for a free upcoming webinar at rideanddriveclean.org/events.

PARTICIPATE IN SHAPING BUILDING REACH CODES FROM THE CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN

In August 2024, the City adopted its inaugural Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a greenprint to achieve zero carbon emissions by the year 2045. A community greenhouse gas inventory shows that natural gas usage at residential and non-residential buildings comprises 32% of total community greenhouse gas emissions. A key strategy listed in the CAAP to make progress towards this goal is the adoption of reach codes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from building energy. A reach code is a local ordinance which adds additional requirements to the state's building code in order to address issues such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy efficiency, air quality, public health, safety, and more. At this time, the City is currently considering adoption of reach codes to align with CAAP goals. For example, a potential requirement may include installing electrification measures such as a heat pump space conditioning system when replacing or adding a central air conditioner, with the option still available to keep a gas furnace provided other efficiency measures are installed. Visit the project website to learn more about the policies under consideration and ways to participate and provide feedback during their development. Thanks in advance!  

LIMITED-TIME REBATES FOR THE PEER 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!

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!

NOW HIRING RECREATION COORDINATOR

The City of Pinole is looking for a passionate and energetic Recreation Coordinator to help bring our community programs to life! Benefits That Make You Smile: Employer-covered premiums for select medical plans (including vision & dental), Vacation + sick leave accrual, CalPERS retirement and more! Become a member of our team – Visit our website to apply by: August 15, 2025.

SUMMER SERIES AT FERNANDEZ PARK

Celebrate the end of summer with a final movie night under the stars at Fernandez Park (595 Tennent Avenue). Join us on Friday, August 15 for a special screening of Inside Out 2. The movie will begin at sundown, approximately 8:15 PM. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab your favorite snacks, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly evening to close out the summer season and for the LAST movie, we will offer popcorn before the movie to make this one even more enjoyable.

SWIM CENTER

Dive into fun at the Swim Center (2450 Simas Ave.) with Rec Swim, Lap Swim, Aqua Zumba, swim lessons, and even pool parties! Summer swim runs now through August 17, with Fall swim starting August 23. Visit www.pinole.gov/swimcenter to see the full schedule and programs. For questions, contact pinoleseals.pool@gmail.com or (510) 724 - 9025.

ZUMBA & EXERCISE

Stay active and energized with fitness and movement classes at the Senior Center (2500 Charles Ave.). Choose from Turbo Kick, Zumba, Zumba Toning, and Circuit & Fitness Training designed for all levels. Register for exercise classes at www.pinolerec.com.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR- REGISTRATION OPENS SOON

Mark your calendars! The Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 15th at the Senior Center. Registration opens for Senior Center members on Monday, September 8, and for the general public on Tuesday, September 9. If you have any questions, please email mjamison@pinole.gov.

BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR AT THE SENIOR CENTER

Do you enjoy working with the community? Are you passionate about working with seniors? Is there a class you would like to offer and be an instructor? Please email mjamison@pinole.gov for more information.

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 pantry 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 26, from 10 - 11 am. 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!

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: Three (3) vacancies, two-year terms

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee (TAPS): One (1) vacancy, two-year term

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, 2131 Pear Street, Pinole 94564. A subcommittee of the City Council will conduct interviews and appointments will be made at a City Council meeting. Applications & supplemental questionnaires are available at Pinole City Hall, and may be downloaded from

the City’s website at: https://www.pinole.gov/boards-commissions/

Deadline: Please submit your application no later than 8/21/25.

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