Engagement

Pinole City Council meeting, 11-4-25

Tuesday, 11-4- Pinole City Council meeting, 5 PM, Hybrid. You can find the
agenda packet at https://pinoleca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1011/files/agenda/991.

There are five closed session items- conference with real property negotiator (in 3 of the cases, agency negotiators City Manager Kelcey Young and City Attorney Eric Casher, though for the post office negotiation only the City Manager is listed as agency negotiator, government code section 54956.8) for 651 Pinole Shore Road with negotiating parties being Jaclyn Bellicitti for Verizon, for 2100 san Pablo Ave with negotiating party being Art Pakpour for price and terms, for 2101 Pear St (the post office) with the negotiating party being American Postal Infrastructure Partners, and for 2301 San Pablo Ave with the negotiating parties being Raquel Conter and Sonny and Kamal Randhawa. There is also a public employee performance evaluation under government code section 54957 for the city manager. I expect that closed session will end by 6:30, though this may change.

There is one item under mayoral and council appointments- appointing Zee Handoush to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA) (staff report page 7, application pages 8-12).

There are four proclamations, recognizing United Against Hate Week (page 13), Native American Heritage Month (page 14), LGBTQ+ History Month (page 11), World Town Planning Day (page 13), and Sikh Appreciation and Awareness Month (page 14). There are also two presentations- the first being a Community Services Presentation by Maria Picazo, and the second being a presentation on City Banner Programs by Andrea Dwyer.

Then there’s the consent calendar- There are the normal warrants, along with the minutes for the October 21st city council meeting, a resolution to authorize execution of an agreement with Home Match Contra Costa County to implement Housing Element Program 11: Home Sharing and Tenant Matching (a program to connect tenants with available spare rooms, provide oversight and limited repair funding (page 56) (staff report pages  55-8, fiscal impact $25,000 per year through Financial Year (FY) 2030/31 page 57, resolution pages 59-60, contract pages 61-76, scope of work pages 77-79), and a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a memorandum of agreement with Contra Costa County for participation in the Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant (Environmental protection Agency (EPA) cooperative agreement number BF-97T41601), which would allow the city to request county funding for site assessments and brownfield planning in the industrial district in Pinole, the Old Industrial Railways site at 890 San Pablo Avenue in particular (staff report pages 80-83, no fiscal impact to city page 83, resolution pages 83-5, memorandum of agreement pages 86-88, EPA letter of approval page 89, work plan pages 90-107).

There are no public hearing or old business items.

There are three new business items- the first being review and approval of the updated Community Services Commission bylaws, which would clarify its responsibilities and objectives and reduce the size of the commission to 5 members (staff report pages 108-9, bylaws pages 110-13),

the second being approval of guidelines for the private sewer lateral program of FY 25/26 project #SS2407, and updating the 5 year Capital Improvement Plan to continue the program through FY 29/30 with some key points being that it applies to 1-4 unit residential areas only, city reimburses a maximum of 50% of the lowest quote or $4500 for full replacement of a lateral longer than 100 feet and/or deeper than 10 feet, $3000 for all other replacements, or $1000 for all repairs whichever of the four is least, and can only be claimed once and is required to be refunded if the property is sold within a year of claiming the rebate (pages 115-16) (staff report pages 114-16, fiscal impact $150,000 per year from Sewer Enterprise Fund for net increase of $600,000 over the 5-year CIP period page 116, resolution pages 117-19),

and the final item being overview of procedural requirements for authorization and implementation of a commercial cannabis business program, where staff is asking for direction on whether to pursue an ordinance to authorize commercial cannabis businesses in Pinole, a ballot measure for voters to decide whether to implement such a program and associated taxes, or to do nothing at all (page 120) (staff report pages 120-4, fiscal impact potential gain of $200,000 to $300,000 annually if 2 dispensaries were established in Pinole, but variable depending on options chosen page 124, informational tables pages 125-8, presentation pages 129-42).
You can join the meeting by zoom direct link here, entering the webinar ID
893 3500 0272 into zoom directly, or calling +1 (669) 900-6833 or +1 (253)215-8782 or +1 (346) 248-7799, then entering the meeting ID 893 3500 0272#. Once in the meeting by phone, you can raise your hand by pressing *9, and unmute by pressing *6 once called on. You can also attend the meeting in person at Pinole City Hall, 2131 Pear St.

Parklet Workshop, 10-28-25

Tuesday, 10-28- Parklet Workshop, 6:30-8:30 PM, Hybrid. “

The City of Pinole Community Development Department is developing a new Ordinance for parklets and outdoor dining. Building on the success of the temporary ordinance adopted during COVID-19, the City is now working to create permanent opportunities that will support local restaurants, welcome more diners, and provide vibrant gathering spaces in the downtown area. We want to hear your thoughts – please join us in the conversation!

The workshop will be held in a hybrid format (Zoom link below). People can attend in-person at City Hall in the Council Chambers.

Zoom Link

Contact: David Hanham at dhanham@pinole.gov” (https://www.pinole.gov/event_list/parklet-outdoor-dining-workshop/?event-date=2025-10-28%2018:30:00)

Senior Food Distribution, 10-28-25

Tuesday, 10-28- Senior Food Distribution, 10-11 AM, in person Pinole Senior Center. “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, October 28, 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: http://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.” (Pinole Pulse, 10-23-25)

Pinole Planning Commission meeting, 10-27-25

Monday, 10-27- Planning Commission meeting, 7 PM, Hybrid. You can find the agenda packet at https://pinoleca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1042/files/agenda/987.

There are four items- the prior meeting minutes, 2 public hearings for conditional use permits for the sale of alcohol for Quick EMart (Type 20, off-site beer and wine) (staff report pages 25-31, resolution pages 32-3, conditions of approval pages 34-7, letter from applicant pages 38-9, council report pages 40-3) and Yo Sushi (Type 41, on-site beer and wine) (staff report pages 44-49, resolution pages 50-1, conditions of approval pages 52-5), and a presentation from the ADU outreach and implementation intern.

You can join the meeting by zoom direct link here https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86505375301, entering the webinar ID 865 0537 5301 into zoom directly, or calling +1 (669) 900-6833 or +1 (253) 215-8782 or +1 (346) 248-7799, then entering the meeting ID 865 0537 5301#. Once in the meeting by phone, you can raise your hand by pressing *9, and unmute by pressing *6 once called on. You can also attend the meeting in person at Pinole City Hall, 2131 Pear St.

Protest, 10-25-25

Saturday, 10-25- Protest (weather conditions depending), 11 AM-12 PM, intersection of Tennent and San Pablo Avenues. “

On the Fourth Saturdays of the month, join the Indivisible – North East Bay chapter in Pinole as we vocally and physically express dissent, and make known the (de)legitimacy of the current administration sitting in the white house.

**UPDATE!! The location of this protest has been set going forward for all 4th Saturdays of the month every month (and is no longer rotating). We will be at Tennent Ave. and San Pablo Ave. in Pinole in the open space across from Tina’s place.

We participate and activate hyper-locally in this non-violent and peaceful social and cultural movement to protest authoritarianism in the U.S. and are building volunteer people power that is sustained, consistent, and unrelenting, until everyone is moved from their apathy and into action to stand up for democracy and re-dedicate themselves to building a better one. Only we, the people, can save us!

11 AM – 12 PM – Peacefully Protest – meet at the corner, bring your signs, Bluetooth speakers with music, noise-makers, and a passion for people power!” (https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/813154/ for more information and if you want to register)

Halloween Movie, 10-24-25

Friday, 10-24- Halloween Movie, 6 PM-8 PM, in person Fernandez Park. “Have a spooktacular night at Fernandez Park with the showing of Hocus Pocus 2 on Friday, October 24 at approx. 6:15pm. Wear your Halloween costumes, bring your chairs, and blankets for a festive Halloween evening. Popcorn and candy will be provided! For questions, please email recreation@pinole.gov.” (https://www.pinole.gov/event_list/halloween-movie-2/?event-date=2025-10-24%2018:00:00)

Street Eats 10-24-25

Friday, 10-24- Street Eats, 5 PM- 8 PM, in person Downtown Pinole. “

Get ready for Pinole’s first-ever Street Eats Pop-Up Night, hosted by Kitchen@812 and Pinole Artisans on Friday, September 26, October 10 & October 24 from 5–8 PM in Downtown Pinole! 🍔🎨 This vibrant celebration brings together delicious food, local art, and community spirit for an unforgettable evening.

What’s Cooking:

  • Tasty Bites: Enjoy dishes from Kitchen@812’s amazing pop-up vendors.
  • Local Art: Explore creations by Pinole Artisans’ talented artists.
  • Family Fun: Groove to live music and enjoy kids’ activities.
  • Pinole Pride: Support our local businesses and artists, all Made in Pinole! 💝

Event Details:

  • When: Friday, September 26, October 10 & October 24 from 5–8 PM
  • Where: Downtown Pinole
  • Stay in the Loop: Follow Kitchen@812 and Pinole Artisans on social media for vendor and entertainment updates!

Artist/Vendor Opportunity: Pinole Artisans members can showcase their artwork for free! Limited spaces available at Uptown YardDiosa and Pear Street Bistro. Join Pinole Artisans to participate by clicking button below.

Bring friends and family to celebrate Pinole’s food and art scene! Questions? Contact Kitchen@812.” (https://www.pinole.gov/event_list/street-eats/?event-date=2025-10-24%2017:00:00)

Find the Right Contractor Workshop, 10-23-25

Thursday, 10-23- Finding the Right Contractor workshop, 12 PM-1 PM, in person Senior Center. “
Learn how to spot red flags, avoid scams, and choose licensed, trustworthy contractors for your home projects.
This Senior Scam Stopper℠ workshop offers practical tips to safeguard your money, your home, and your peace of mind, presented by the California State Licensing Board

This is the fifth in a six workshop series focused on accessible living for seniors and those with disabilities made possible through a grant awarded by the AARP Community Challenge.

For more information visit: https://www.pinole.gov/pinole-accessible-living-program/

This free event is open to all—registration is encouraged to help us plan for a comfortable experience. Sign up online (https://www.pinole.gov/pinole-accessible-living-workshop-sign-up/) or at the Pinole Senior Center.

Contact: Keith Marks at KMarks@pinole.gov” (https://www.pinole.gov/event_list/hiring-with-confidence-finding-the-right-contractor/?event-date=2025-10-23%2012:00:00)

United Against Hate Know Your Rights Workshop, 10-22-25

Wednesday, 10-22- United Against Hate (UAH) Know Your Rights workshop, 10 AM-12 PM, in person Contra Costa Community College. “

Stop by Contra Costa Community College for the Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness workshop and stop by our table for Contra Costa Stands United Against Hate and CA vs Hate posters!

Contact: Christy Lam-Julian at christy@lamjulianfoundation.org” (https://www.pinole.gov/event_list/united-against-hate-contra-costa-community-college-pledge-drive/?event-date=2025-10-22%2010:00:00)