CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
July 1, 2025
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IN HONOR OF THE US MILITARY TROOPS
The City Council Meeting was held in a hybrid format (in-person and via Zoom videoconference and broadcast) from the Pinole Council Chambers, 2131 Pear Street, Pinole, California. Mayor Sasai called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 5:02 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Busted an of tin an up a or aspects to do the one one as pro retrie, all this place, Ohlone Land, the land that Pinole sits upon, their home. We are proud to continu heir tradition of coming together and growing as a community. We thank the Ohlone communit for their stewardship and support, and we look forward to strengthening our ties as we continue our relationship of mutual respect and understanding.
ROLL CALL, CITY CLERK'S REPORT & STATEMENT OF CONFLICT
An official who has a conflict must, prior to consideration of the decision; (1) publicly identify in detail the financial interest that causes the conflict; (2) recuse himself/herself from discussing and voting on the matter; and (3) leave the room until after the decision has been made, Cal. Gov.
Code § 87105.
A. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT
Cameron Sasai, Mayor
Anthony Tave, Mayor Pro Tem
Norma Martinez-Rubin, Council Member
Devin Murphy, Council Member
Maureen Toms, Council Member
B. STAFF PRESENT
Kelcey Young, City Manager
Eric Casher, City Attorney
Andrea Dwyer, Community Services Director
Heba El-Guindy, Public Works Director
Melissa Klawuhn, Chief of Police
Roxane Stone, Deputy City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk Roxane Stone announced the agenda had been posted on June 26, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. with all legally required written notices. Written comments had been received in advance of the meeting, distributed to the City Council and staff, posted to the City website and made available to the public to view in the Council Chambers.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Following an inquiry, the Council reported there were no conflicts with any items on the agenda.
4. CONVENE TO A CLOSED SESSION
Citizens may address the Council regarding a Closed Session item prior to the Council adjourning into the Closed Session, by first providing a speaker card to the City Clerk.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Gov. Code § 54957.6
Agency designated representatives: City Manager Kelcey Young, City Attorney Eric Casher, Human Resources Director Stacy Shell, Finance Director Markisha Guillory and Gregory Ramirez, IEDA
Employee organizations: AFSCME Local 1, AFSCME Local 512 and the Pinole Police Employees Association (PPEA)
B. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Gov. Code § 54956.8
Property: 2100 San Pablo Avenue
Agency negotiators: City Manager Kelcey Young and City Attorney Eric Casher Negotiating party: Art Pakpour
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
5. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION At 6:42 p.m., Mayor Sasai reconvened the meeting into open session. There was no reportable action from the Closed Sessions.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD (Public Comments)
Citizens may speak under any item not listed on the Agenda. The time limit is 3 minutes and is subject to modification by the Mayor. Individuals may not share or offer time to another speaker.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Council meeting.
Rafael Menis, reported on the current state of transmission for COVID-19, which continued to be elevated in the testing centers nearest the City of Pinole based on relevant data for Contra Costa County. Contra Costa County as a whole was low, but a testing center located in the City of Richmond was very high with two other centers in Contra Costa County at high and moderate levels. He encouraged people to wear masks in crowded indoor settings and get booster shots if available. He also wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Mayor Sasai took the agenda items out of order at this time with the City Council moving on to Item 8. Recognitions / Presentations / Community Events.
8. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMUNITY EVENTS
A. Proclamations
1. Parks Make Life Better
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month with the proclamation presented to Cecilia Morse. Mayor Sasai identified as the City of Pinole's "Unofficial Trails Ambassador."
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Cecilia Morse reported she had met Mayor Sasai when he campaigned for the City Council. She appreciated the fact that when there had been a gaping hole in the trail, the Mayor had liaised and the trail had been repaired. She highlighted her background as an East Coast transplant who appreciated living in the City of Pinole that she described as a beautiful paradise. She thanked the City Council for the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
2. Independence Day
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing July 4, 2025 as Independence Day.
Mayor Sasai took the opportunity to recognize Recreation Department staff present in the Council Chambers who kept the City's parks and recreation facilities maintained for the benefit of the community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Community Services Director Andrea Dwyer introduced members of the Community Service Department staff present in the Council Chambers including: Recreation Manager Maria Picazo; Recreation Coordinator, Senior Center, Mychael Jamison; and Recreation Coordinator, Youth Center, Jaylan Campbell. She also recognized Christine Murray, Coordinator for the Youth and Tiny Tots Programs who was unable to attend the meeting.
Community Services Director Dwyer added the kick-off for the City's Fourth of July celebration would begin at 6:30 p.m. on July 4, 2025 at Pinole Valley High School (PVHS). Festivities would include performances from local dance groups, children's activities, food trucks and a Key to the City celebration through the Mayor celebrating the life of City employee Robert Walker Jr. The event would end with a drone show at 9:30 p.m. Everyone was encouraged to come out and celebrate.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
3. Bastille Day
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing July 14, 2025 as Bastille Day.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
B. Presentations: None
Mayor Sasai declared a recess at 6:57 p.m. The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:07 p.m. with all Council members present.
The City Council returned to Item 7. Reports & Communications.
7. REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
A. Mayor Report
1. Announcements
Mayor Sasai reported he had attended a West Contra Costa Transportation Commission (WCCTC) meeting with an overview of Bay Bridge Forward, an update on projects in the I-80 Corridor, including High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access restrictions, Bay Bridge and Carquinez Bridge hours of operation and a presentation on Via Microtransit, an agency working with the City of Richmond to build and provide outreach on microtransit services in the community.
He reiterated that Fourth of July celebrations would be held on July 4, 2025, as earlier reported and reminded residents, neighbors and friends that fireworks were illegal in Contra Costa County and urged people to be safe.
B. Mayoral & Council Appointments: None
C. City Council Committee Reports & Communications
Council member Martinez-Rubin reported some Council members had participated in a presentation as part of an invitation from Evan Green, Watershed Conservation Coordinator with Contra Costa County Resource Conservation District, at which time they had learned about a project in which the agency was a partner and which involved the unhoused. The project involved a study that included a number of other conservation districts and the work the participants were doing helped them to learn about environmental stewardship skills, such as identifying non-native plants and helping to keep Pinole Creek clear of debris, among other things. The presentation was an informal job fair allowing participants of the Resilient and Equitable Urban Stream Corridors Project to learn about the skills gained from their participation and eventually to be part of a pipeline for further employment. She wished everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Council member Murphy reported he had attended the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) General Assembly as the City's Delegate, to advance shared goals around housing, climate resilience, infrastructure and development. He highlighted the approval of ABAG's $128 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 operating budget and work program and highlighted programs that specifically benefitted Pinole residents including the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and the San Francisco Estuary Partnership. He reported ABAG membership dues had slightly increased after 16 years, with the dues to fund ABAG's core administration services, ensure access to regional planning tools, grant programs, housing assistance, technical assistance and environmental initiatives. He noted ABAG had focused on regional resiliency, particularly around climate threats like sea level rise, wildfire and drought. He commended the City Manager for attending the ABAG General Assembly and making the City of Pinole a strong leader at the table
Council member Murphy also attended the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District (RHFPD) Change of Command Ceremony and reported the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) would be developing a new long-term road map guiding the next 100-years of park planning, access and preservation. He provided an overview of the various issues facing the EBRPD with the EBRPD to meet with all stakeholders across the East Bay as part of its long-term planning effort. He encouraged Pinole residents to engage with EBRPD's community survey that would be open through July 31, 2025. More information was available on the EBRPD website.
Council member Murphy also thanked everyone who had participated in the Pinole Creek Unhoused Stewards Project Job fair at the Pinole Library and highlighted the different agencies that had participated in the event. He thanked Council member Martinez-Rubin and Mayor Sasai for making the event possible.
Council member Murphy further commented on the issue of immigration, which was top of focus of mind in terms of the moral perspective and economic issues. He referenced a new June 2025 report from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, which had looked at the economic risk of mass deportation policies and which statistics he highlighted. He encouraged everyone to review the report which reinforced the need to ground policies in inclusion and economic resilience, which was all interconnected whether through climate planning or equitable development. He stated the City of Pinole was part of a broader ecosystem and with participation in regional spaces ensured the City was not just reacting but helping to lead.
Council member Toms reported she had attended the Pinole Car Show, including the pancake breakfast the morning of the event. She thanked the Community Services Department and all volunteers who made the programming possible. The Car Show had been well attended and was one of the top community events for local businesses. She had also attended the Special Olympics Torch Run, stated it had been a huge fundraiser, and thanked the law enforcement organizers. She was able to see the end of the torch run in the City of Santa Clara and again recognized all of the support for West County Special Olympics programs.
D. Council Requests for Future Agenda Items
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Rafael Menis, stated he was a member of the Pinole Planning Commission and he asked that the City Council consider a future agenda item to modify. Pinole Municipal Code (PMC) Section
2.40.020, Election of Officers - Meetings. Currently, the text of the ordinance stated "...the Planning Commission shall adopt Robert's Rules of Order Revised, for the transaction of business..." He recognized that Robert's Rules of Order Revised was not the most recommended way to conduct public meetings in that Rosenberg's Rules of Order was most often used at the City Council level. Since it had been written into the ordinance, the Planning Commission must use Robert's Rules of Order Revised. He asked the City Council to consider an agenda item to amend Section 2.40.020, Election of Officers - Meetings, to allow the Planning Commission to choose Rosenberg's Rules of Order.
Mayor Sasai stated he would follow-up with Mr. Menis on the request.
PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED
E. City Manager Report / Department Staff
City Manager Kelcey Young thanked staff for all of their hard work on pothole repair, weed abatement and community events including the Special Olympics Torch Run, Car Show and preparing for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. Future community events would include Coffee with a Cop on July 9, 2025 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Starbucks on Pinole Valley Road; free concerts at Fernandez Park on July 10 and 24, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and kick-off for Movie Nights at Fernandez Park on July 18, 2025, with the movie Moana 2 to be shown at sundown. Also, a Citizens Academy would be held on August 6, 13 and 20, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss City processes, upcoming projects, upcoming events, career opportunities and answering community questions. Interested persons were encouraged to sign-up soon since the event was getting close to reaching capacity. She reminded everyone that fireworks were banned in Contra Costa County and anyone wishing to turn in their fireworks may do so at the Police Department, Public Safety Lobby, where fireworks would be accepted and disposed of safely, no questions asked.
F. City Attorney Report: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted by one motion and without discussion. If, however, any interested party or Council member(s) wishes to comment on an item, they may do so before action is taken on the Consent Calendar. Following comments, if a Council member wishes to discuss an item, it will Calendared from the Consent Calendar and taken up in order after adoption of the Consent A. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on June 17, 2025.
B. Receive the June 14, 2025 - June 27, 2025 List of Warrants in the Amount of $1,849,025.10 and the June 20, 2025 Payroll in the Amount of $528,964.97.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
C. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the Contract with Contra Costa County to Continue Administration of the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program (PEER) through Additional Funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC) Local Government Building Decarbonization Challenge. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen, Kapil Amin)
D. Resolution Accepting a Capacity-Building Microgrant from AARP to Support Educational Workshops for the Pinole Accessible Living (PAL) Program. Action:
Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen, Keith Marks) E. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement with Michael Baker International to Support Additional Outreach for the Safety and Health & Environmental Justice Elements. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen, David Hanham)
F. Letter of Support for Senate Bill 63. Action: Approve Letter and Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Kelcey Young) G. Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 1388. Action: Approve Letter per Staff Recommendation (Kelcey Young)
H. Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 762. Action: Adopt Letter per Staff Recommendation (Kelcey Young)
1. Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 996. Action: Adopt Letter per Staff Recommendation (Kelcey Young)
J. Placement of Liens for Delinquent Unpaid Waste Collection Charges Falling Delinquent between January and April 2025, Considered at an Administrative Hearing on June 5, 2025. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Roxane Stone)
K. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Pinole and Contra Costa County for the San Pablo Avenue Enhanced Bicycle and Pedestrian Gap Closure Study. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Heba El-Guindy)
L. Approval of Fourth Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Consor North America, Inc. (Formerly Quincy Engineering, Inc.) for Additional Services for the San Pablo Avenue Bridge Replacement at the BNSF Railroad Project (Project No. RO1710). Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Heba El-Guindy)
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Bradley Dunn, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Manager of Local Government and Community Relations, speaking to Item 9F, thanked the City Council for the consideration of a Letter of Support for Senate Bill (SB) 63. He noted everyone in the Bay Area whether they used BART or not, benefitted from the service, from cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion and increased access to jobs and education. BART recently received its highest rider satisfaction in over 10-years, but work from home had impacted transit agencies across the Bay Area and the nation. The Bay Area had a unique combination of finance, technology and other industries that were prone to workers telecommuting from home and the Bay Area had the highest work from home rates in the nation, which had led to BART facing a significant deficit between $350 and $400 million beginning in FY 2027. BART had one of the lowest costs per passenger miles of any major heavy rail agency in the country, and instituted cost savings measures such as hiring freezes to eliminate a $35 million deficit in FY 2026; however, and despite this effort, BARTs fares were half of what they had been before the pandemic. If additional funding was not secured, BART would be forced to make devasting service cuts including no service on weekends or after 9:00 p.m., eliminating lines and reducing the number of trains per week. BART's Board of Directors supported SB 63, the Connect Bay Area Act, and were committed to working with community stakeholders to support sustainable transit funding.
Council member Martinez-Rubin requested that item 9A be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Sasai requested that Items 9F, 9G, 9H and 91 be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
Speaking to Item 9A, Deputy City Clerk Stone clarified Council member Martinez-Rubin had submitted a very minor revision to a change she had made to the City Council meeting minutes of June 3, 2025 (as reflected on Page 25 of 300 of the agenda packet and as shown in the June 17, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes Item 9A). She had asked Council member Martinez-Rubin to pull the item to bring it to the City Council's attention, with the requested change to be reflected in the final copy for the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes.
Mayor Sasai thanked staff for their work on all of the letters of support as shown on the Consent Calendar and Council member Martinez-Rubin for bringing forward a couple of the letters of support. He emphasized the importance of getting the letters right, which would move goals along benefitting the City and all Californians. For Item 9F, he noted SB 63 had been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. He asked that Page 225 of 300 of the agenda packet be revised in that the letter was currently addressed to Senator Buffy Wicks and needed to be corrected to read: Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and with the recipients to be corrected to read:
Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Dave Cortese, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and Senator Jesse Arreguin. He asked that the addresses for each recipient also be clarified for accuracy. Further, that the resolution of approval on Page 207 of 300 of the agenda packet be revised in the first WHEREAS clause to include WestCat.
For Item 9G, Mayor Sasai noted AB 1388 has been referred to the Senate Public Safety Committee. He asked that the letter, as shown on Page 228 of 300 of the agenda packet, be revised and addressed to the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Senator Jesse Arrequin and the letter be copied to Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, Senator Jesse Arreguin, and the author of AB 1388 Assemblymember Isaac Bryan.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
For Item 9H, Mayor Sasai asked staff whether AB 762, was still active since it would not be the best look to send a letter for something that was not being considered by the Legislature.
City Manager Young advised as long as the letter was sent by July 2, 2025, the letter would still be accepted.
Council member Martinez-Rubin was unaware whether AB 762 remained active. She wanted to ensure that the City could present the letters to the extent possible and have a process in place to do that. She commented one of the items the City Council had discussed as part of the Council Retreat in January 2025, was setting up a legislative process to respond to alerts about pending legislation. While the bill may or may not be currently active in the legislative system, possibly staff could review that in the morning and follow through as necessary.
Mayor Sasai understood AB 762 had not made it past the Assembly some time ago. He was unsure staff had the answer to provide clarification at this time and he would not be in favor of sending a letter in support but it could come back. He could support a letter to the author in support of a two-year bill.
Council member Martinez-Rubin understood but suggested this made space for agenda items that could be discussed more fully since this issue had come up before when the processes did not align with how quickly the legislative system worked.
Mayor Sasai referenced Item 9l and wanted assurance the letter would be sent to the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Anna Caballero and Vice Chair Kelly Seyarto, and copied to the author of AB 996, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin.
ACTION: Motion by Council members Murphy/Toms to approve Item 9A, as amended tems 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E, as shown; Items 9F, 9G and 9l, as amended; and Items J, K anc L, as shown.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ACTION: Motion by Council members Martinez-Rubin/Toms to have staff take a look at the letter for Item 9H and inform the Mayor whether or not the bill was still viable.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Paine tes -July 1, 2025
A. First Reading of Ordinance Amending Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 10.40 'Stopping Standing and Parking" Section 10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include Restrictions Related to Parking Near Intersections in Compliance with Assembly Bill 413 ("Daylighting Law"). Action: Waive the First Reading and Introduce by Title Only on Ordinance Amending Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 10.40, "Stopping, Standing and Parking" Section
10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include restrictions related to parking new intersections in compliance with Assembly Bill 413. (Eric Casher, Heba El-Guindy, Melissa Klawuhn)
City Attorney Eric Casher, Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy and Police Chief Melissa Klawuhn provided a PowerPoint presentation on an Ordinance to Amend PMC Chapter 10.40 'Stopping Standing and Parking" Section 10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include Restrictions Related to Parking New Intersections in Compliance with Assembly Bill 413, ("Daylighting Law") and which included an overview of AB 413, "Daylighting Law"; the definition of "daylighting"; creation of and definition of new subsection (n) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22500; how AB 413 had been implemented at 24 intersections of safety concern and/or heavily used by pedestrians; how AB 413 would be enforced; proposed amendment to Section
10.40.040 of the PMC by adding a new subsection K, which reads: "Within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. Signs or curb paint is not required," and the fiscal impacts by implementing AB 413.
Staff recommended the City Council waive the first reading and introduce by Title Only an Ordinance Amending Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 10.40, "Stopping, Standing and Parking" Section 10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include restrictions related to parking new intersections in compliance with Assembly Bill 413.
At this time a brief Public Service Announcement (PSA) created for AB 413 was shown to the City Council.
Responding to questions from the City Council, City Manager Young, City Attorney Casher, Public Works Director El-Guindy and Police Chief Klawuhn clarified the following:
• Exemptions to AB 413 included exemptions for loading zones, bicycle, electric bicycle and scooter parking. Staff would have to install appropriate signage for any areas that were exempt. As an example, a loading zone functioning during specific hours of the day would require signage accordingly. A resident may submit a request for an exemption in writing, via email or by telephone call to the Public Works Department. (Murphy) • The PSA video had been donated from the San Francisco Academy of Arts at no cost to the City aside from staff coordination. (Murphy)
• The PSA would be posted on the City and Police Department social media sites and on the City website. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
• Education on enforcement of AB 413 has been ongoing since April 2025, with flyers distributed by the Pinole Police Department. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave) Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
• AB 413 was a statewide law and other cities had provided notice through social and general media outlets. Education to the public on AB 413 would continue. The City of Pinole also published a map identifying all locations of curb painting and marking of individual intersections. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
• As indicated in the PowerPoint presentation, 24 intersections had been painted and potentially more locations could be added. The locations were evaluated in consultation with the Police Department and concerned community members. (Martinez-Rubin) • Acknowledged concerns with possible scenarios and conflicts involving WestCAT and school buses in cases where there could be no marked curbs and line-of-sight issues, with staff provided information on an area of concern at Tesoro Court and Ridgecrest Road. (Martinez-Rubin)
• Acknowledged additional possible scenarios for areas around schools where there could be further line-of-sight issues that needed to be taken into consideration. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
• No citations had been issued for violations of AB 413. Once the ordinance passed on first read it would come back for a second read. Once the second read of the ordinance was approved, the ordinance would go into effect 30-days thereafter. The City's Master Fee Schedule would be required to be amended to add a $40 fine for this specific violation. At that time, the City Council may consider a higher or lower fine amount. (Mayor Sasai) • Violations of subsections (I) and (J) of Section 10.40.040 No Parking Areas - Designated, carried a $40 fine. (Mayor Sasai)
• Acknowledged a request for continued education to the public about AB 413 and continued conversations on the fines that could be imposed. (Mayor Sasai) • Clarified the location of a vehicle's tires in comparison to the red curb determined whether a violation of the daylighting law had occurred. Ideally, the vehicle should not be in the red curb at all. The purpose of AB 413 was to increase visibility. (Mayor Sasai) • Clarified Police Officers had discretion when considering citations and may consider issuing a warning or a citation and the officer would take into consideration the totality of the circumstances. Primarily, the safety considerations for the public and drivers was paramount. While Police Officers did not have data on hand to determine whether there were repeat violations, records could be pulled quickly to determine whether a particular vehicle or person had been involved in a previous citation or warning, which were tracked. (Mayor Sasai)
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
Rafael Menis, understood there was a map of all the intersections in Pinole that could be affected by AB 413 and he asked if it was available to the public. He lived relatively near to the intersection of Hazel Street and Dutra Court, and was unsure how much of the curb would be marked since in theory the exit point of Dutra Court onto Hazel Street could be considered a crosswalk.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Mr. Menis asked whether Dutra Court and the approach side of Hazel Street would be marked red and be considered a crosswalk since it was a cul-de-sac. The City had many cul-de-sacs and he asked if cul-de-sacs counted as a crosswalk at the point where they met a cross street, and if so, whether the requirements of AB 413 would be triggered.
Mr. Menis read into the record the new language for subsection K, and while paint was not required due to ongoing maintenance costs, he asked whether a possible compromise could be considered. He suggested using a cheaper and faster decaying paint and painting the curb initially so that it would be visually flagged, and having it set up so that the paint would not be repainted after a certain time period. After the paint decayed, the City would not have to pay the maintenance costs and paint over and over again. In the meantime, that would help the public be aware of the new daylighting law. He appreciated the fact the City had been issuing warnings up to this point and a full fee citation was not yet in place. He suggested a one-year phase-in for the paint depending on the feasibility of using cheaper paint versus staff costs, as a one-time thing as opposed to an ongoing obligation.
Anthony Vossbrink, understood the law had been in effect since January 1, 2025, and the City had done a lot of education. He asked why the Police Department could not give the general public a projected effective date for hard enforcement when citations could be issued. As to the red curb violation fines, he asked whether $40 was a standard fine for No Parking in red painted zones and how that fine compared to the red curb and daylighting fines in other cities. He suggested it would be wise to educate the public in general to report violators and asked that the City provide a specific phone number or place to report violations online. He added that people who double parked in school zones during pickup periods already violated the daylighting law.
Also, people parked in loading zones and he asked why those people had not been routinely cited for parking violations.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Responding to the public comment, Public Works Director El-Guindy explained the map referenced had been posted on the City website but due to mistakes it had been removed. The map would be revised and reposted by the end of the week. As to the concerns with cul-de-sacs, she clarified any intersection between two streets was identified as an intersection. It could be a major with a minor street, but was still an intersection. As long as the cul-de-sac intersected with another street the daylighting could be implemented; however, the City was not implementing the red curb everywhere since that was dependent upon safety conditions. Whether it was used by pedestrians or not, the surrounding land uses and any major traffic generators such as schools, were different factors considered prior to establishing the red curb or signage.
Regarding the paint, Public Works Director El-Guindy commented there was a certain type of paint that had certain road reflectivity to meet requirements and the City could not truly eliminate the maintenance in future years and would have to go back at least once a year and repaint the locations identified. She added that staff had received some phone calls from community members wondering why the City was not consistent with the 20-feet or 15-feet, which was really impacted by the sightlines at the intersections at the corners, and after prohibiting the 20-teet, they noticed the distance between the end of the red curb and the nearby driveway was not sufficient for the parking of one vehicle.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Public Works Director El-Guindy stated the red curb had then been extended all the way to the driveway so there would not be a car parking there encroaching within the red curb or the driveway. She clarified there was some judgment in the field as a result.
Police Chief Klawuhn added in terms of enforcement that the CVC allowed the Police Department to enforce the daylighting law as of January 1, 2025, but the City of Pinole chose not to impose enforcement until the ordinance was in place and the fee schedule determined, which would determine the start date of enforcement. In terms of reporting violators, individuals were encouraged to call the non-emergency police dispatch line to report such incidents at (510) 724- 1111. Any emergency would involve dialing or texting 9-1-1.
City Attorney Casher also clarified in response to the question about the standard fine that the $40 fee was the fee imposed for the No Parking zone violations in the Master Fee Schedule. He was uncertain how that compared to other cities but the Master Fee Schedule had been updated in April 2024, and become effective in July 2024.
Mayor Sasai wanted to see the comparables from other cities in the area to see exactly the citation amount for those kinds of violations.
Council member Murphy thanked staff for the presentation and for the execution of the state- mandate. He referred to the traffic and parking on San Pablo Avenue and felt safer as a result of the daylighting law, and suggested that residents would also feel safer, particularly along San Pablo Avenue. He again thanked staff for the execution of the law and the intentionality around community education, which was a critical piece of why this law mattered, to save lives and protect people. He also appreciated the collaboration between the Police and Public Works Departments, and looked forward to hearing updates on the status of the enforcement of the law and feedback from residents and/or visitors to Pinole.
ACTION: Motion by Council member Toms/Mayor Pro Tem Tave to Waive the First Reading and Introduce by Title Only on Ordinance Amending Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 10.40, "Stopping, Standing and Parking" Section 10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include restrictions related to parking new intersections in compliance with Assembly Bill 413.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
City Attorney Casher thanked Police Chief Klawuhn and Public Works Director El-Guindy and the students from the San Francisco Academy of Arts for their work on the PSA.
11. OLD BUSINESS: None
12. NEW BUSINESS: None
13. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD (Continued from Item 6) (Public Comments) Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Only open to members of the public who did not speak under the first Citizens to be Heard, Agenda Item 6.
Citizens may speak under any item not listed on the Agenda. The time limit is 3 minutes and is subject to modification by the Mayor. Individuals may not share or offer time to another speaker.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Council meeting.
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
ADJOURNMENT to the Regular Meeting of July 15, 2025 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
At 8:18 p.m., Mayor Sasai adjourned the meeting to a Regular City Council Meeting on July 1, 2025 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
Submitted by:
Heather Bell, CMC
City Clerk
Approved by City Council: July 15, 2025
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
July 1, 2025
CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IN HONOR OF THE US MILITARY TROOPS
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Before we begin, we would like to acknowledge the Ohlone people, who are the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to the Ohlone elders, past, present and future, who call this place, Ohione Land, the land that Pinole sits upon, their home. We are proud to continue their tradition of coming together and growing as a community. We thank the Ohlone community for their stewardship and support, and we look forward to strengthening our ties as we continue our relationship of mutual respect and understanding.
ROLL CALL, CITY CLERK'S REPORT & STATEMENT OF CONFLICT
An official who has a conflict must, prior to consideration of the decision; (1) publicly identity in detail the financial interest that causes the conflict; (2) recuse himself/herself from discussing and voting on the matter; and (3) leave the room until after the decision has been made, Cal. Gov.
Code § 87105.
A. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT
Cameron Sasai, Mayor
Anthony Tave, Mayor Pro Tem
Norma Martinez-Rubin, Council Member
Devin Murphy, Council Member
Maureen Toms, Council Member
B. STAFF PRESENT
Kelcey Young, City Manager
Eric Casher, City Attorney
Andrea Dwyer, Community Services Director
Heba El-Guindy, Public Works Director
Melissa Klawuhn, Chief of Police
Roxane Stone, Deputy City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk Roxane Stone announced the agenda had been posted on June 26, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. with all legally required written notices. Written comments had been received ir advance of the meeting, distributed to the City Council and staff, posted to the City website anc made available to the public to view in the Council Chambers.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Following an inquiry, the Council reported there were no conflicts with any items on the agenda.
CONVENE TO A CLOSED SESSION
Citizens may address the Council regarding a Closed Session item prior to the Council adjourning into the Closed Session, by first providing a speaker card to the City Clerk.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Gov. Code § 54957.6
Agency designated representatives: City Manager Kelcey Young, City Attorney Eric Casher, Human Resources Director Stacy Shell, Finance Director Markisha Guillory and Gregory Ramirez, IEDA
Employee organizations: AFSCME Local 1, AFSCME Local 512 and the Pinole Police Employees Association (PPEA
B. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Gov. Code § 54956.8
Property: 2100 San Pablo Avenue
Agency negotiators: City Manager Kelcey Young and City Attorney Eric Casher Negotiating party: Art Pakpour
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
5. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION At 6:42 p.m., Mayor Sasai reconvened the meeting into open session. There was no reportable action from the Closed Sessions.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD (Public Comments)
Citizens may speak under any item not listed on the Agenda. The time limit is 3 minutes and is subject to modification by the Mayor. Individuals may not share or offer time to another speaker.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The City Council may direct staff to investiate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Counci meeting.
Rafael Menis, reported on the current state of transmission for COVID-19, which continued to be elevated in the testing centers nearest the City of Pinole based on relevant data for Contra Costa County. Contra Costa County as a whole was low, but a testing center located in the City of Richmond was very high with two other centers in Contra Costa County at high and moderate levels. He encouraged people to wear masks in crowded indoor settings and get booster shots if available. He also wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Mayor Sasai took the agenda items out of order at this time with the City Council moving on to Item 8. Recognitions / Presentations / Community Events.
8. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS / COMMUNITY EVENTS
A. Proclamations
1. Parks Make Life Better
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing July 2025 as Parks Make Life Better Month with the proclamation presented to Cecilia Morse. Mayor Sasai identified as the City of Pinole's "Unofficial Trails Ambassador."
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Cecilla Morse reported she had met Mayor Sasai when he campaigned for the City Council. She appreciated the fact that when there had been a gaping hole in the trail, the Mayor had liaised and the trail had been repaired. She highlighted her background as an East Coast transplant who appreciated living in the City of Pinole that she described as a beautiful paradise. She thanked the City Council for the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
2. Independence Day
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing July 4, 2025 as Independence Day.
Mayor Sasai took the opportunity to recognize Recreation Department staff present in the Council Chambers who kept the City's parks and recreation facilities maintained for the benefit of the community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Community Services Director Andrea Dwyer introduced members of the Community Service Department staff present in the Council Chambers including: Recreation Manager Maria Picazo; Recreation Coordinator, Senior Center, Mychael Jamison; and Recreation Coordinator, Youth Center, Jaylan Campbell. She also recognized Christine Murray, Coordinator for the Youth and Tiny Tots Programs who was unable to attend the meeting.
Community Services Director Dwyer added the kick-off for the City's Fourth of July celebration would begin at 6:30 p.m. on July 4, 2025 at Pinole Valley High School (PVHS). Festivities would include performances from local dance groups, children's activities, food trucks and a key to the City celebration through the Mayor celebrating the life of City employee Robert Walker Jr. The event would end with a drone show at 9:30 p.m. Everyone was encouraged to come out and celebrate.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
3. Bastille Day
The City Council read into the record a proclamation recognizing July 14, 2025 as Bastille Day.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
B. Presentations: None
Mayor Sasai declared a recess at 6:57 p.m. The City Council meeting reconvened at 7:07 p.m. with all Council members present.
The City Council returned to Item 7. Reports & Communications.
7. REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
A. Mayor Report
1. Announcements
Mayor Sasai reported he had attended a West Contra Costa Transportation Commission (WCCTC) meeting with an overview of Bay Bridge Forward, an update on projects in the 1-80 Corridor, including High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane access restrictions, Bay Bridge and Carquinez Bridge hours of operation and a presentation on Via Microtransit, an agency working with the City of Richmond to build and provide outreach on microtransit services in the community. le reiterated that Fourth of July celebrations would be held on July 4, 2025, as earlier reportec and reminded residents, neighbors and friends that fireworks were illegal in Contra Costa Count and urged people to be safe.
B. Mayoral & Council Appointments: None
C. City Council Committee Reports & Communications
Council member Martinez-Rubin reported some Council members had participated in a presentation as part of an invitation from Evan Green, Watershed Conservation Coordinator with Contra Costa County Resource Conservation District, at which time they had learned about a project in which the agency was a partner and which involved the unhoused. The project involved a study that included a number of other conservation districts and the work the participants were doing helped them to learn about environmental stewardship skills, such as identifying non-native plants and helping to keep Pinole Creek clear of debris, among other things. The presentation was an informal job fair allowing participants of the Resilient and Equitable Urban Stream Corridors Project to learn about the skills gained from their participation and eventually to be part of a pipeline for further employment. She wished everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Council member Murphy reported he had attended the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) General Assembly as the City's Delegate, to advance shared goals around housing, climate resilience, infrastructure and development. He highlighted the approval of ABAG's $128 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 operating budget and work program and highlighted programs that specifically benefitted Pinole residents including the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and the San Francisco Estuary Partnership. He reported ABAG membership dues had slightly increased after 16 years, with the dues to fund ABAG's core administration services, ensure access to regional planning tools, grant programs, housing assistance, technical assistance and environmental initiatives. He noted ABAG had focused on regional resiliency, particularly around climate threats like sea level rise, wildfire and drought. He commended the City Manager for attending the ABAG General Assembly and making the City of Pinole a strong leader at the table
Council member Murphy also attended the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District (RHFPD) Change of Command Ceremony and reported the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) would be developing a new long-term road map guiding the next 100-years of park planning, access and preservation. He provided an overview of the various issues facing the EBRPD with the EBRPD to meet with all stakeholders across the East Bay as part of its long-term planning effort. He encouraged Pinole residents to engage with EBRPD's community survey that would be open through July 31, 2025. More information was available on the EBRPD website.
Council member Murphy also thanked everyone who had participated in the Pinole Creek Unhoused Stewards Project Job fair at the Pinole Library and highlighted the different agencies that had participated in the event. He thanked Council member Martinez-Rubin and Mayor Sasai for making the event possible.
Council member Murphy further commented on the issue of immigration, which was top of focus of mind in terms of the moral perspective and economic issues. He referenced a new June 2025 report from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, which had looked at the economic risk of mass deportation policies and which statistics he highlighted. He encouraged everyone to review the report which reinforced the need to ground policies in inclusion and economic resilience, which was all interconnected whether through climate planning or equitable development. He stated the City of Pinole was part of a broader ecosystem and with participation in regional spaces ensured the City was not just reacting but helping to lead.
Council member Toms reported she had attended the Pinole Car Show, including the pancake breakfast the morning of the event. She thanked the Community Services Department and all volunteers who made the programming possible. The Car Show had been well attended and was one of the top community events for local businesses. She had also attended the Special Olympics Torch Run, stated it had been a huge fundraiser, and thanked the law enforcement organizers. She was able to see the end of the torch run in the City of Santa Clara and again recognized all of the support for West County Special Olympics programs.
D. Council Requests for Future Agenda Items
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Rafael Menis, stated he was a member of the Pinole Planning Commission and he asked that the City Council consider a future agenda item to modify Pinole Municipal Code (PMC) Section Planning Commission otal adoptibert Cures of order of the ori ane satacon he business..." He recognized that Robert's Rules of Order Revised was not the most recommended way to conduct public meetings in that Rosenberg's Rules of Order was most often used at the City Council level. Since it had been written into the ordinance, the Planning Commission must use Robert's Rules of Order Revised. He asked the City Council to consider an agenda item to amend Section 2.40.020, Election of Officers - Meetings, to allow the Planning Commission to choose Rosenberg's Rules of Order.
Mayor Sasai stated he would follow-up with Mr. Menis on the request.
PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED
E. City Manager Report / Department Staff
City Manager Kelcey Young thanked staff for all of their hard work on pothole repair, weed abatement and community events including the Special Olympics Torch Run, Car Show and preparing for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. Future community events would include Coffee with a Cop on July 9, 2025 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Starbucks on Pinole Valley Road; free concerts at Fernandez Park on July 10 and 24, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and kick-off for Movie Nights at Fernandez Park on July 18, 2025, with the movie Moana 2 to be shown at sundown. Also, a Citizens Academy would be held on August 6, 13 and 20, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss City processes, upcoming projects, upcoming events, career opportunities and answering community questions. Interested persons were encouraged to sign-up soon since the event was getting close to reaching capacity. She reminded everyone that fireworks were banned in Contra Costa County and anyone wishing to turn in their fireworks may do so at the Police Department, Public Safety Lobby, where fireworks would be accepted and disposed of safely, no questions asked.
F. City Attorney Report: None
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted by one motion and without discussion. If, however, any interested party or Council member (s) wishes to comment on an item, they may do so before action is taken on the Consent Calendar. Following comments, if a Council member wishes to discuss an item, it will be removed from the Consent Calendar and taken up in order after adoption of the Consent Calendar.
A. Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting on June 17, 2025.
B. Receive the June 14, 2025 - June 27, 2025 List of Warrants in the Amount of $1,849,025.10 and the June 20, 2025 Payroll in the Amount of $528,964.97.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Pagetes - July 1, 2025
C. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the Contract with Contra Costa County to Continue Administration of the Pinole Energy Enhancement Rebate Program (PEER) through Additional Funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC) Local Government Building Decarbonization Challenge. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen, Kapil Amin)
D. Resolution Accepting a Capacity-Building Microgrant from AARP to Support Educational Workshops for the Pinole Accessible Living (PAL) Program. Action:
Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen, Keith Marks) E. Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement with Michael Baker International to Support Additional Outreach for the Safety and Health & Environmental Justice Elements. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Lilly Whalen, David Hanham)
F. Letter of Support for Senate Bill 63. Action: Approve Letter and Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Kelcey Young)
G. Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 1388. Action: Approve Letter per Staff Recommendation (Kelcey Young)
H. Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 762. Action: Adopt Letter per Staff Recommendation (Kelcey Young)
1. Letter of Support for Assembly Bill 996. Action: Adopt Letter per Staff Recommendation (Kelcey Young)
J. Placement of Liens for Delinquent Unpaid Waste Collection Charges Falling Delinquent between January and April 2025, Considered at an Administrative Hearing on June 5, 2025. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Roxane Stone)
K. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Cooperative Agreement between the City of Pinole and Contra Costa County for the San Pablo Avenue Enhanced Bicycle and Pedestrian Gap Closure Study. Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Heba El-Guindy)
L. Approval of Fourth Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Consor North America, Inc. (Formerly Quincy Engineering, Inc.) for Additional Services for the San Pablo Avenue Bridge Replacement at the BNSF Railroad Project (Project No. RO1710). Action: Adopt Resolution per Staff Recommendation (Heba El-Guindy)
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Mage tes July 1, 2025
Bradley Dunn, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Manager of Local Government and Community Relations, speaking to Item 9F, thanked the City Council for the consideration of a Letter of Support for Senate Bill (SB) 63. He noted everyone in the Bay Area whether they used BART or not, benefitted from the service, from cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion and increased access to jobs and education. BART recently received its highest rider satisfaction in over 10-years, but work from home had impacted transit agencies across the Bay Area and the nation. The Bay Area had a unique combination of finance, technology and other industries that were prone to workers telecommuting from home and the Bay Area had the highest work from home rates in the nation, which had led to BART facing a significant deficit between $350 and $400 million beginning in FY 2027. BART had one of the lowest costs per passenger miles of any major heavy rail agency in the country, and instituted cost savings measures such as hiring freezes to eliminate a $35 million deficit in FY 2026; however, and despite this effort, BARTs fares were half of what they had been before the pandemic. If additional funding was not secured, BART would be forced to make devasting service cuts including no service on weekends or after 9:00 p.m., eliminating lines and reducing the number of trains per week. BART's Board of Directors supported SB 63, the Connect Bay Area Act, and were committed to working with community stakeholders to support sustainable transit funding.
Council member Martinez-Rubin requested that item 9A be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Sasai requested that Items 9F, 9G, 9H and 91 be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
Speaking to Item 9A, Deputy City Clerk Stone clarified Council member Martinez-Rubin had submitted a very minor revision to a change she had made to the City Council meeting minutes of June 3, 2025 (as reflected on Page 25 of 300 of the agenda packet and as shown in the June 17, 2025 Planning Commission meeting minutes Item 9A). She had asked Council member Martinez-Rubin to pull the item to bring it to the City Council's attention, with the requested change to be reflected in the final copy for the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes.
Mayor Sasai thanked staff for their work on all of the letters of support as shown on the Consent Calendar and Council member Martinez-Rubin for bringing forward a couple of the letters of support. He emphasized the importance of getting the letters right, which would move goals along benefitting the City and all Californians. For Item 9F, he noted SB 63 had been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. He asked that Page 225 of 300 of the agenda packet be revised in that the letter was currently addressed to Senator Buffy Wicks and needed to be corrected to read: Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, and with the recipients to be corrected to read:
Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Dave Cortese, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and Senator Jesse Arreguín. He asked that the addresses for each recipient also be clarified for accuracy. Further, that the resolution of approval on Page 207 of 300 of the agenda packet be revised in the first WHEREAS clause to include WestCat.
For Item 9G, Mayor Sasai noted AB 1388 has been referred to the Senate Public Safety Committee. He asked that the letter, as shown on Page 228 of 300 of the agenda packet, be revised and addressed to the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Senator Jesse Arreguin and the letter be copied to Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, Senator Jesse Arreguin, and the author of Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
For Item 9H, Mayor Sasai asked staff whether AB 762, was still active since it would not be the best look to send a letter for something that was not being considered by the Legislature.
City Manager Young advised as long as the letter was sent by July 2, 2025, the letter would still be accepted.
Council member Martinez-Rubin was unaware whether AB 762 remained active. She wanted to ensure that the City could present the letters to the extent possible and have a process in place to do that. She commented one of the items the City Council had discussed as part of the Council Retreat in January 2025, was setting up a legislative process to respond to alerts about pending legislation. While the bill may or may not be currently active in the legislative system, possibly staff could review that in the morning and follow through as necessary.
Mayor Sasai understood AB 762 had not made it past the Assembly some time ago. He was unsure staff had the answer to provide clarification at this time and he would not be in favor of sending a letter in support but it could come back. He could support a letter to the author in support of a two-year bill.
Council member Martinez-Rubin understood but suggested this made space for agenda items that could be discussed more fully since this issue had come up before when the processes did not align with how quickly the legislative system worked.
Mayor Sasai referenced Item 91 and wanted assurance the letter would be sent to the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Anna Caballero and Vice Chair Kelly Seyarto, and copied to the author of AB 996, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin.
ACTION: Motion by Council members Murphy/Toms to approve Item 9A, as amended; Items 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E, as shown; Items 9F, 9G and 9l, as amended; and Items J, K and L, as shown.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
ACTION: Motion by Council members Martinez-Rubin/Toms to have staff take a look at the letter for Item 9H and inform the Mayor whether or not the bill was still viable.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
A. First Reading of Ordinance Amending Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 10.40 'Stopping Standing and Parking" Section 10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include Restrictions Related to Parking Near Intersections in Compliance with Assembly Bill 413 ("Daylighting Law"). Action: Waive the First Reading and Introduce by Title Only on Ordinance Amending Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 10.40, "Stopping, Standing and Parking" Section 2222
10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include restrictions related to parking new intersections in compliance with Assembly Bill 413. (Eric Casher, Heba El-Guindy, Melissa Klawuhn)
City Attorney Eric Casher, Public Works Director Heba El-Guindy and Police Chief Melissa Klawuhn provided a PowerPoint presentation on an Ordinance to Amend PMC Chapter 10.40 'Stopping Standing and Parking" Section 10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include Restrictions Related to Parking New Intersections in Compliance with Assembly Bill 413, ("Daylighting Law") and which included an overview of AB 413, "Daylighting Law"; the definition of "daylighting"; creation of and definition of new subsection (n) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22500; how AB 413 had been implemented at 24 intersections of safety concern and/or heavily used by pedestrians; how AB 413 would be enforced; proposed amendment to Section
10.40.040 of the PMC by adding a new subsection K, which reads: "Within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. Signs or curb paint is not required," and the fiscal impacts by implementing AB 413.
Staff recommended the City Council waive the first reading and introduce by Title Only an Ordinance Amending Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 10.40, "Stopping, Standing and Parking" Section 10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include restrictions related to parking new intersections in compliance with Assembly Bill 413.
At this time a brief Public Service Announcement (PSA) created for AB 413 was shown to the City Council.
Responding to questions from the City Council, City Manager Young, City Attorney Casher, Public Works Director El-Guindy and Police Chief Klawuhn clarified the following:
• Exemptions to AB 413 included exemptions for loading zones, bicycle, electric bicycle and scooter parking. Staff would have to install appropriate signage for any areas that were exempt. As an example, a loading zone functioning during specific hours of the day would require signage accordingly. A resident may submit a request for an exemption in writing, via email or by telephone call to the Public Works Department. (Murphy) • The PSA video had been donated from the San Francisco Academy of Arts at no cost to the City aside from staff coordination. (Murphy)
• The PSA would be posted on the City and Police Department social media sites and on the City website. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
Education on enforcement of AB 413 has been ongoing since April 2025, with flyers distributed by the Pinole Police Department. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave) Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
• AB 413 was a statewide law and other cities had provided notice through social and general media outlets. Education to the public on AB 413 would continue. The City of Pinole also published a map identifying all locations of curb painting and marking of individual intersections. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
• As indicated in the PowerPoint presentation, 24 intersections had been painted and potentially more locations could be added. The locations were evaluated in consultation with the Police Department and concerned community members. (Martinez-Rubin) • Acknowledged concerns with possible scenarios and conflicts involving WestCAT and school buses in cases where there could be no marked curbs and line-of-sight issues, with staff provided information on an area of concern at Tesoro Court and Ridgecrest Road. (Martinez-Rubin)
• Acknowledged additional possible scenarios for areas around schools where there could be further line-of-sight issues that needed to be taken into consideration. (Mayor Pro Tem Tave)
• No citations had been issued for violations of AB 413. Once the ordinance passed on first read it would come back for a second read. Once the second read of the ordinance was approved, the ordinance would go into effect 30-days thereafter. The City's Master Fee Schedule would be required to be amended to add a $40 fine for this specific violation. At that time, the City Council may consider a higher or lower fine amount. (Mayor Sasai) • Violations of subsections (I) and (J) of Section 10.40.040 No Parking Areas - Designated, carried a $40 fine. (Mayor Sasai)
• Acknowledged a request for continued education to the public about AB 413 and continued conversations on the fines that could be imposed. (Mayor Sasai) • Clarified the location of a vehicle's tires in comparison to the red curb determined whether a violation of the daylighting law had occurred. Ideally, the vehicle should not be in the red curb at all. The purpose of AB 413 was to increase visibility. (Mayor Sasai) • Clarified Police Officers had discretion when considering citations and may consider issuing a warning or a citation and the officer would take into consideration the totality of the circumstances. Primarily, the safety considerations for the public and drivers was paramount. While Police Officers did not have data on hand to determine whether there were repeat violations, records could be pulled quickly to determine whether a particular vehicle or person had been involved in a previous citation or warning, which were tracked. (Mayor Sasai)
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
Rafael Menis, understood there was a map of all the intersections in Pinole that could be affected by AB 413 and he asked if it was available to the public. He lived relatively near to the intersection of Hazel Street and Dutra Court, and was unsure how much of the curb would be marked since in theory the exit point of Dutra Court onto Hazel Street could be considered a crosswalk.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Mr. Menis asked whether Dutra Court and the approach side of Hazel Street would be marked red and be considered a crosswalk since it was a cul-de-sac. The City had many cul-de-sacs and he asked if cul-de-sacs counted as a crosswalk at the point where they met a cross street, and if so, whether the requirements of AB 413 would be triggered.
Mr. Menis read into the record the new language for subsection K, and while paint was not required due to ongoing maintenance costs, he asked whether a possible compromise could be considered. He suggested using a cheaper and faster decaying paint and painting the curb initially so that it would be visually flagged, and having it set up so that the paint would not be repainted after a certain time period. After the paint decayed, the City would not have to pay the maintenance costs and paint over and over again. In the meantime, that would help the public be aware of the new daylighting law. He appreciated the fact the City had been issuing warnings up to this point and a full fee citation was not yet in place. He suggested a one-year phase-in for the paint depending on the feasibility of using cheaper paint versus staff costs, as a one-time thing as opposed to an ongoing obligation.
Anthony Vossbrink, understood the law had been in effect since January 1, 2025, and the City had done a lot of education. He asked why the Police Department could not give the general public a projected effective date for hard enforcement when citations could be issued. As to the red curb violation fines, he asked whether $40 was a standard fine for No Parking in red painted zones and how that fine compared to the red curb and daylighting fines in other cities. He suggested it would be wise to educate the public in general to report violators and asked that the City provide a specific phone number or place to report violations online. He added that people who double parked in school zones during pickup periods already violated the daylighting law.
Also, people parked in loading zones and he asked why those people had not been routinely cited for parking violations.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Responding to the public comment, Public Works Director El-Guindy explained the map referenced had been posted on the City website but due to mistakes it had been removed. The map would be revised and reposted by the end of the week. As to the concerns with cul-de-sacs, she clarified any intersection between two streets was identified as an intersection. It could be a major with a minor street, but was still an intersection. As long as the cul-de-sac intersected with another street the daylighting could be implemented; however, the City was not implementing the red curb everywhere since that was dependent upon safety conditions. Whether it was used by pedestrians or not, the surrounding land uses and any major traffic generators such as schools, were different factors considered prior to establishing the red curb or signage.
Regarding the paint, Public Works Director El-Guindy commented there was a certain type of paint that had certain road reflectivity to meet requirements and the City could not truly eliminate the maintenance in future years and would have to go back at least once a year and repaint the locations identified. She added that staff had received some phone calls from community members wondering why the City was not consistent with the 20-feet or 15-feet, which was really impacted by the sightlines at the intersections at the corners, and after prohibiting the 20-feet, they noticed the distance between the end of the red curb and the nearby driveway was not sufficient for the parking of one vehicle.
Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Public Works Director El-Guindy stated the red curb had then been extended all the way to the driveway so there would not be a car parking there encroaching within the red curb or the driveway. She clarified there was some judgment in the field as a result.
Police Chief Klawuhn added in terms of enforcement that the CVC allowed the Police Department to enforce the daylighting law as of January 1, 2025, but the City of Pinole chose not to impose enforcement until the ordinance was in place and the fee schedule determined, which would determine the start date of enforcement. In terms of reporting violators, individuals were encouraged to call the non-emergency police dispatch line to report such incidents at (510) 724- 1111. Any emergency would involve dialing or texting 9-1-1.
City Attorney Casher also clarified in response to the question about the standard fine that the $40 fee was the fee imposed for the No Parking zone violations in the Master Fee Schedule. He was uncertain how that compared to other cities but the Master Fee Schedule had been updated in April 2024, and become effective in July 2024.
Mayor Sasai wanted to see the comparables from other cities in the area to see exactly the citation amount for those kinds of violations.
Council member Murphy thanked staff for the presentation and for the execution of the state- mandate. He referred to the traffic and parking on San Pablo Avenue and felt safer as a result of the daylighting law, and suggested that residents would also feel safer, particularly along San Pablo Avenue. He again thanked staff for the execution of the law and the intentionality around community education, which was a critical piece of why this law mattered, to save lives and protect people. He also appreciated the collaboration between the Police and Public Works Departments, and looked forward to hearing updates on the status of the enforcement of the law and feedback from residents and/or visitors to Pinole.
ACTION: Motion by Council member Toms/Mayor Pro Tem Tave to Waive the First Reading and Introduce by Title Only on Ordinance Amending Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 10.40, "Stopping, Standing and Parking" Section 10.40.050 "No Parking Areas Designated" to include restrictions related to parking new intersections in compliance with Assembly Bill 413.
Vote: Passed 5-0
Ayes: Sasai, Tave, Martinez-Rubin, Murphy, Toms
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
City Attorney Casher thanked Police Chief Klawuhn and Public Works Director El-Guindy and the students from the San Francisco Academy of Arts for their work on the PSA.
11. OLD BUSINESS: None
12. NEW BUSINESS: None
13. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD (Continued from Item 6) (Public Comments) Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025
Only open to members of the public who did not speak under the first Citizens to be Heard, Agenda Item 6.
Citizens may speak under any item not listed on the Agenda. The time limit is 3 minutes and is subject to modification by the Mayor. Individuals may not share or offer time to another speaker.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Council meeting.
Deputy City Clerk Stone reported there were no comments from the public.
14. ADJOURNMENT to the Regular Meeting of July 15, 2025 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
At 8:18 p.m., Mayor Sasai adjourned the meeting to a Regular City Council Meeting on July 1, 2025 in Remembrance of Amber Swartz.
Submitted by:
-
Heather Bell, CMC
City Clerk
Approved by City Council: July 15, 2025
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19 Pinole City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes - July 1, 2025