Greetings from the City Manager

Hello, Wonderful Pinole Residents!

September has arrived, bringing crisp fall vibes and a fantastic array of community events to keep our city buzzing! I’m thrilled to share some exciting opportunities to connect, celebrate, and contribute to our vibrant Pinole.

Join us on September 20 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for the Coastal Cleanup at Bayfront Park, 1 Tennent Ave. On-site registration begins at 8:30 AM, and this event is open to all ages. It’s a perfect chance to earn community service hours while helping keep our beautiful bayfront clean and thriving. Come make a difference with us!

Mark your calendars for a special night food event hosted by Kitchen@812 on Community Corner in Downtown Pinole on September 26, October 10, and October 24 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Uptown Yard and DIOSA will join in, collaborating with Pinole Artisans to offer kids’ activities and showcase local artists and craft vendors. Come support our local pop-ups, artists, and businesses for a fun-filled evening!

Our fall “Coffee with the City Manager” is on September 26 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the Community Room in Pinole City Hall. Join me for a casual coffee and chat to share your thoughts, ask questions, or just connect. I look forward to seeing you on Friday, September 26!

Our “Business Spotlight” segment continues to shine a light on 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 stories to help us showcase the heart of our local economy.

Thank you for contributing to the lively spirit that makes Pinole a wonderful community to live in!

We Want to Hear From You

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) CAMPAIGN

The City of Pinole is a pro-housing jurisdiction designated by the Department of Housing and Community Development through its commitment to combat the housing crisis by developing policies and programs that support affordable housing in Pinole while supporting the community. Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, can help alleviate the housing crisis by offering more affordable options for renters.

What is an ADU? An ADU is a dwelling unit on the same parcel as a primary single-family or multifamily dwelling and contains complete independent living facilities including permanent facilities for sleeping, living, eating, cooking, and sanitation. They are accessory to the primary dwelling and may be attached, detached or located within a residence.

If you are a homeowner, renter, architect/designer, ADU or Junior ADU owner, we want to hear your thoughts so that we can best support your needs.

Upcoming Events

CITY PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Sept. 22, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall 

Wastewater Subcommittee Meeting - Thurs, Oct. 2, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

Special Council Meeting: Financial Strategy - Tues, Oct. 14, 5-7pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Oct. 21, 5pm - Zoom/City Hall

Planning Commission Meeting - Mon, Oct. 27, 7pm - Zoom/City Hall

City Council Meeting - Tues, Nov. 4, 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

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

Step-by-Step: Making Your Home More Accessible - Thurs, Sept. 25, 12-1pm - Senior Center

Coffee with the City Manager - Fri, Sept. 26, 8:30-9:30am - City Hall Community Room

Street Eats - Fri, Sept. 26, 5-8pm - Community Corner

Halloween National Night Out - Tues, Oct. 7, 5-8pm - Fernandez Park

Power Smarts: Boosting Energy Efficiency at Home - Thurs, Oct. 9, 12-1pm - Senior Center

Dumpster Day - Oct. 11, 7-11am - Pinole Valley Park

Floating Pumpkin Patch - Sat, Oct. 18, 12-3pm - Pinole Swim Center

Hiring with Confidence: Finding the Right Contractor - Thurs, Oct. 23, 12-1pm - Senior Center

Halloween Movie: Hocus Pocus 2 - Fri, Oct. 24, 6-8pm - Fernandez Park

COFFEE WITH THE CITY MANAGER 

Join us for “Coffee with the City Manager” on Friday, September 26th, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at Pinole City Hall. Come grab a cup of coffee, share your thoughts, and let’s chat about what’s on your mind. It’s a perfect chance to connect, and we are looking forward to meeting you there! 

Inside the Council Chambers

City Council with members presented the California Firefighter's Memorial Day proclamation to Contra Costa County Fire District.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM COUNCIL

Contra Costa Fire Chief Lewis Broschard gave a presentation on key statistics and updates from the past year. Chief Broschard reported that there were significantly less 4th of July calls this year compared to the previous year, which he attributes to the weather. He explained that 4th of July is usually the most busy day for them due to the proliferation of illegal fireworks. He shared information about new wildfire equipment, including a helicopter and a "Helopod," which can hold 3,770 gallons of water and can fill at 800 gallons per minute.  Chief stressed the importance of zone zero, home hardening and defensible space to protect your home from fires. He said "if 80% of the community doesn't adhere to all of these things, it's as if the community didn't do anything." Chief further explained "you could have your house totally onboard 100% but if your neighbor doesn't -- then this presents a challenge to your house. Your home has to stand on its own...and it has to do this without fire fighter intervention...there is not enough firetrucks to put out a fire at every burning house if there's a wildfire." For more information about what you can do to protect your home from fire, visit: https://www.fire.ca.gov/home-hardening

During Tuesday's council meeting, a public hearing was held to consider the annual levy of assessments for the Pinole Valley Road Landscape and Lighting Assessment District, which funds the maintenance of traffic signals, streetlights, median landscaping, irrigation, electricity, and graffiti removal along Pinole Valley Road between Henry Avenue and Ramona Street. For Fiscal Year 2025/26, staff recommend confirming the assessment rates of $567.32 per Assessment Unit (AU) for Zone A and $617.22 per AU for Zone B, reflecting a 2% annual adjustment for rising maintenance costs. The proposed rates are below the maximum allowable assessment, with total District revenue expected at $60,751.51. View the full Assessment Report.

At the next public hearing scheduled for October 21, the assessment rates for the Pinole Valley Road Landscape and Lighting Assessment District zones A and B will be presented for council approval. A Public Notice will be published ahead of the public hearing and the City will also mail out letters to all business within the district in early October. 

Watch the Council Meeting. 

SHINING A LIGHT ON PINOLE'S AMAZING BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Pinole Aesthetic Dentistry – Your Smile’s New Home

Welcome Pinole Aesthetic Dentistry to our community since January 2025! Located on Tara Hills Drive, this 4-operatory practice offers top-notch dental care. What sets them apart? They understand that some patients may feel uneasy about dental visits and are committed to providing a relaxing and positive experience. Their entire team is dedicated to delivering excellent, personalized care to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible. They’ve also introduced an affordable membership plan with low monthly premiums for uninsured patients.

📍 Visit: 1500 Tara Hills Dr #200, Pinole, CA 94564

Famiglia Italian Restaurant – Savoring Authentic Italian in Pinole

Since opening its doors in 2017, Famiglia Italian Restaurant, a cozy family-owned gem in Pinole, has been serving authentic, homemade Italian dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. They recently celebrated their 8 years anniversary 🎉here in Pinole. Paired with a curated selection of Italian wines, their menu delights every palate. Offering dine-in, takeout, and catering services, they bring warmth and flavor to any occasion. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a special celebration, or a cozy dinner, Famiglia makes every guest feel like family. Stop by to support this local treasure!

📍 Visit: 812 San Pablo Ave Ste. 1, Pinole, CA 94564

🌟 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

Construction on the North side of the Appian Way overcrossing. Photo courtesy of CalTrans. 

APPIAN WAY BRIDGE PROJECT UPDATE

Caltrans is making progress on improvements to the Appian Way Bridge, including rebuilding and widening the southbound sidewalk and barrier, along with bearing pad work. Construction is currently focused on the north side of the bridge, while the south side is on hold due to utility conflicts. Recent work included a 55-hour full closure, which has now been completed. Current traffic impacts are limited to single-lane closures on Appian Way and occasional reverse traffic control on Cummings Skyway. Ramp closures, if needed, are brief, typically lasting only one or two shifts. Caltrans and the City of Pinole will notify the public in advance if there will be a road closure. The project is expected to be completed by March 2026. Over the next few months, work will center on structural improvements, with additional phases scheduled for design and future implementation.

WALL OF FAME DINNER

For the first time in 13 years, the Wall of Fame Dinner is returning to Pinole. 12 athletes and 2 coaches will be inducted, including professional basketball player John Bryant and McDonald's All American player DeNesha Stallworth, football players Anthony Green and Marcus Maxwell, several baseball players including Kevin Siverson, and a more from a variety of sports. This will be a momentous occasion celebrates the incredible legacy of Pinole athletes.

CALL FOR SPONSORS

The City invites businesses, community-based organizations and/or individuals to sponsor the airing of this event on Pinole Community TV (PCTV). Sponsors will have their ad featured before and after the Wall of Fame Dinner program on PCTV every time it airs. Thousands of viewers watch PCTV online and through streaming apps: Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV.  This is a highly affordable way to promote your message. Your sponsorship helps support community media and public access. Interested sponsors should email DSnell@pinole.gov.

SUPPORT TEAM PINOLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Ending breast cancer forever is at the center of Susan G. Komen’s mission. And that’s why Team Pinole is fundraising for this incredible cause! Pinole employees will take one day in October during their lunch hour to Strike Out Breast Cancer - the Pinole Way at Pinole Valley Lanes. It's our goal to raise as much as we can to support Komen’s vision of a world without breast cancer, and we are asking for your help. Please consider making a gift today!

SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT DRAFTS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW

The City of Pinole is in the process of updating its General Plan to incorporate a revised Safety Element and add the Environmental Justice & Health Element.

Public Review Drafts of the Elements are now available for review! Digital copies can be found online. Hardcopies are available for review at City Hall (2131 Pear Street) and the Pinole Library  (2935 Pinole Valley Road).

The next upcoming meeting on the Elements is the Planning Commission hearing on September 22, 2025 at 7:00pm, located in the City Hall Council Chambers (2131 Pear Street). The agenda packet for the meeting will be posted at least 72 hours before the meeting. Please see the Meeting Agendas page at https://www.pinole.gov/.

If you would like to follow updates on the Elements, the latest information and resources will be posted on the Planning Division webpage.

ACT NOW! FEDERAL INCENTIVES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND SOLAR ENDING SOON

Now is the time to purchase an electric vehicle or install solar for your home. Federal incentives for both electric vehicles and solar panel installations are ending very soon. The federal EV tax credit, $7,500 (for new EV purchases and leases) and up to $4,000 (for used EVs), is still available, but the rebates will end on September 30th due to recent federal policy changes. Free virtual informational webinars with technical experts on purchasing EVs are available here. Additionally, the federal tax credit for rooftop solar installation will be ending December 31st. Learn more about other eligible projects for a federal tax credit here. Save some money while saving the planet. Thanks in advance!  

A Greener Pinole

Look for this "Trashure box" at Coastal Cleanup Day to win a prize!

NEW FUN ACTIVITIES AT COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

Coastal Cleanup Day is THIS SATURDAY! This year, Coastal Cleanup Day features the first ever “Trashure Hunt”, sponsored by the California Coastal Commission. Find the blue-painted "Trashure Box" hidden in Bayfront Park and bring it to the Site Captain at the registration desk to receive your prize!

We are also holding our “Most Unusual Item” contest again, for a $10 gift card to a Pinole business.

Additionally, our city manager Kelcey Young is challenging participants to a competition who will pick up more trash than she does. The reward for the winner will be a coffee/tea/other beverage from East Bay Coffee, courtesy of Kelcey! Sign up for this challenge at the event at the Friends of Pinole Creek table.

New as of this year is Clean Swell®, a trash collection mobile app from the Ocean Conservancy. Join a global movement to keep beaches, waterways and the ocean trash free. Head out to your favorite beach and use the app to easily record each item of trash you collect. Then share your effort with family and friends. For Contra Costa County, you can use CCRCD2025 as your group! Download the CleanSwell app.

Kapil Amin, Sustainability Project Manager, doing outreach at Coastal Cleanup Day. 

Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed volunteers after a big cleanup in the upper watershed. Photo courtesy of Friends of Pinole Creek. 

Supervisor Gioia, Council Member Murphy, and members of Sustainable Contra Costa.

PINOLE CONTINUES TO PAVE THE WAY IN SUSTAINABILITY

The City of Pinole is honored to be recognized with a Sustainable Contra Costa Leadership in Sustainability Award. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our City Council, staff, community partners, and residents who are working together to build a future rooted in equity, resilience, and clean energy. Council member Devin T. Murphy accepted the award on behalf of the City and MCE. City staff was also nominated for the award. With the support of partners such as MCE, Pinole has continued to make progress on sustainability initiatives that benefit our entire community. This award along with the City's Clean California Designation, the ongoing work of Friends of Pinole Creek, the implementation of the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan, and the dedication of our community volunteers highlights the Pinole's commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and regional collaboration to create healthier, more resilient communities for all. Well done, team!

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!  

Reminders

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU)

Check out the Pinole ADU Concierge page - your one-stop shop for building and legalizing ADUs! Explore the ADU Campaign page with office hour and webinar updates, surveys, and upcoming newsletters. Scan the QR codes or click the links to visit each site and get informed today!

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!

DUMPSTER DAY

This event at the Pinole Valley Park parking lot across from Simas Ave is for residents only, and proof of residency is required. Please read below about what items are accepted and not accepted:

ACCEPTED: household items, glass, clothing, metal, chairs, tables, couches, small appliances, broken toys, rugs/padding, wood, dishwashers, washers & dryers, refrigerators, ovens/stoves, microwaves.

NOT ACCEPTED: No box springs. No mattresses. No green waste or yard waste. No tires. No concrete or construction waste. No household hazardous waste (such as paint, oil, bug spray, oven cleaner, propane tanks, prescription medicine, needles, syringes). No car batteries. No electronic waste (no TVs, no computers, no screens, no cell phones, etc.). Take household hazardous waste to 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, Wed-Sat, 9am to 4pm. 

END OF SUMMER BBQ

Don’t miss out on the highly anticipated return of the Senior Center’s End of Summer BBQ Luncheon which will be held on Friday, September 26 from 12 pm – 2 pm! Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch, groove to live R&B from Seasoned Soul (music sponsored by LeRoy King), and sip refreshing beverages provided by Lino Amaral of State Farm. Don’t miss this perfect way to close out summer with friends, food, and fun! Tickets available at the Senior Center.

FLOATING PUMPKIN PATCH

Make a splash this fall at the first-ever Floating Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, October 18 from 12 pm - 3 pm! Swim out to pick your perfect pumpkin, decorate it, and take it home. A fun event for all ages! Tickets are $10 for Residents and $12 for Non-Residents, available at www.pinolerec.com Please note all attendees must have a ticket to enter the facility. For questions, please call (510) 724 - 9025.

UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK

Join Pinole and take a pledge to stand United Against Hate throughout the month of October. Stop by City Hall, the Pinole Library, and the Senior Center during business hours to take a pledge and be part of this movement. For more information, please visit www.pinole.gov/events

HALLOWEEN MOVIE

Enjoy a spooktacular night at Fernandez Park with the showing of Hocus Pocus 2 on Friday, October 24 at approximately 6:15pm. Wear your Halloween costumes, and bring your chairs, blankets, and movie snacks for a festive Halloween evening. Popcorn and candy will be provided! For questions, please email recreation@pinole.gov.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Mark your calendars! The Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 15, at the Senior Center from 10am. to 3pm. Vendor registration is now open—secure your spot today for this event. Vendor fees are $40 for Senior Center members and $50 for non-members. To register, visit www.pinolerec.com or stop by the senior center. For questions, call 510-724-9800 or email mjamison@pinole.gov.

TINY TOTS REGISTRATION

Join the fun at Tiny Tots , where children ages 3–5 (must be fully potty trained) learn through play, crafts, songs, and story time. Morning sessions run from 9 am–12 pm and afternoon sessions from 1–4 pm. For questions, email tinytots@pinole.gov. Register today at www.pinolerec.com.

FALL CAMPS

Enjoy Fall Camps for ages 3 -5 at Tiny Tots and 6-12 at the Youth Center from November 24-26. Bask in a 3-day autumn adventure filled with days of creativity, games, and outdoor play. Both camps run from 9am to 4pm. Secure your spot at www.pinolerec.com.

SWIM CENTER

Enjoy aquatic adventures at the Swim Center (2450 Simas Ave.) with Rec Swim, Aqua Zumba classes, swim lessons, and pool parties. The Fall Swim Schedule runs now through October 12: Lap Swim on Saturdays and Sundays from 12–1pm, Rec Swim from 1–4pm, and Aqua Zumba from 11–11:50am. For questions, contact pinoleseals.pool@gmail.com or call (510) 724-9025.

ZUMBA AND EXERCISE

Join fitness and movement classes at the Senior Center (2500 Charles Ave.) and enjoy Turbo Kick, Zumba, Zumba Toning, as well as Circuit and Fitness Training designed to keep you active and energized. Register for classes 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, October 13, 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. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, September 23, 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!