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2019, A Year of Change in Pinole

Ivette Ricco

 

As I reflect on 2018 and 2019, acting as the Chair of the Committee Against Measure P in 2018 and of Pinole 4 Fair Government in 2019, I am filled with pride and optimism. Positive change in our small and beautiful city was inspired by a caring community’s activism and engagement. 

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Community Engagement and Inclusion:

  • Pinole 4 Fair Government held a successful CommUNITY Town Hall in September 2019.

  • It was the first time a Town Hall Community meeting was ever held in Pinole.

  • This is a quote from a Town Hall Attendee:

“…it was a non-partisan breath of fresh air for our community, aiding against polarizing divisions. Felt like a shot of immunity for our community(!) in bringing all concerns to the table. Even larger group of Pinole friends are excited to come to the next Town Hall. Melissa Breach who beautifully set the tone, watched the time and kept us on point, out of partisan swamps!”

 

How it All Began:

  • In 2018 a small group of Pinole citizens banded together to fight the City Council’s attempt to repeal term limits.  

  • That campaign, “No on P”, was eye-opening and enlightening. We walked the streets of Pinole, we spoke to the community, we visited with folks in their homes, we discovered the huge disconnect that existed between our elected officials and the ordinary citizens they represented. Measure P was defeated by a resounding 78%.

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New Leadership:

  • It was obvious that our community was ready to turn the page and forge a new path forward with leadership that represented and reflected the diversity and skills of a new demographic.

  • We tapped into that new demographic and discovered two bright young family men, Vincent Salimi and Anthony Tave.

  • Vincent and Anthony had the passion, skills and perspectives needed to help this City move forward. In November 2019 they both won their seats on the Council.

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Inclusion:

  • Anthony Tave is the first African American to hold office in Pinole. Vincent Salimi is the first French-Persian to hold office in Pinole.

  • For the first time in its long history, the Pride Flag was raised in Pinole.

  • The Council crafted a Letter for better treatment of immigrants at the border.

Engagement:

  • Community input was sought at the Old Town traffic and pedestrian workshop.

  • Understanding SB54 and Sanctuary City was discussed with the community.

  • The community’s ideas were sought at Strategic Planning workshops.

 

New Ideas:

  • A Strategic Planning process was implemented.

  • A new Fire Services Study was commissioned, and polling indicated 57% approval for improved fire services.

  • The subject of becoming a Charter city was explored. Projections indicated an increase to city revenue of approx. $1.5 Million to help fund needed services.

  • “Out of the Box” ideas regarding Economic development and new streams of revenue were explored.

 

Economic Development:

  • TESLA has applied for supercharging Station in Pinole.

  • Pinole Hired RE broker(s) to market vacant downtown properties.

  • Pinole hired an economic development consultant to help fill empty Fitzgerald stores.

  • A Downtown Beautification AD Hoc Sub-Committee was created by the council.

 

Public Safety:

  • The First Police Therapy Dog, Milo was made a member of the Police Department.

  • Video Police Reporting was initiated.

  • Police department outreach to the community increased.

 

Pinole Library:

  • The new Council extended the Pinole Library hours.

 

Governance:

  • Two Pinole council members sit on California League of Cities committees helping with policy assessment and position.

  • A New City Manager was hired, Andrew Murray.

  • Pete Murray was honored for serving as Pinole mayor for the 7th time.

 

Overview:

  • It was year of moving forward

  • It was year of new ideas

  • It was a year of community engagement

 

We welcome new ideas; we honor the past but seek a new and prosperous future. Unfortunately, new ideas or concepts will be met with political opposition. We know this, we see it coming, but for now and for this time in Pinole’s history, I can only express my sense of pride and optimism for continued positivity as we look forward to working for A Better Pinole.

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Why? Because We Still Hear You!

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We appreciate your continued support.

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Please consider making a donation to Pinole 4 Fair Government. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

Mail checks to:
Pinole 4 Fair Government
P.O. Box 1
Pinole, Ca. 94564

FPPC ID# 1404981

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