Friends of Pinole Creek Honors Key City Staff for Watershed Initiatives

The Pinole City Council meeting on September 2, 2025, highlighted significant community engagement and pressing social issues. The meeting featured a heartfelt recognition of city staff by the Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to enhance the local watershed.

During the meeting, representatives from the Friends of Pinole Creek Watershed expressed gratitude towards key city staff members for their dedication and support. Kapil Amin, the sustainability project manager, was acknowledged for his leadership in various environmental initiatives, including the climate action plan and a single-use plastic ordinance. His enthusiasm and collaborative spirit were praised as vital to the success of local projects.

Maintenance supervisor Matt Jones was also recognized for his long-standing commitment to the community. His proactive involvement in supporting cleanup efforts and maintaining public spaces was highlighted as essential to the Friends' mission. City Manager Kelsey Young received accolades for her immediate engagement with community events and her efforts to understand the importance of Pinole Creek in local life. Her positive attitude and willingness to participate in hands-on activities have made her a valued ally in the community.

In addition to the recognition of city staff, the meeting addressed a critical social issue raised by community member Prem Pariar. He spoke about the need to combat caste discrimination, which he described as a pervasive issue affecting families in Pinole. Pariar urged the council to consider adding caste as a protected category to ensure that all residents can live free from discrimination in various aspects of life, including housing, employment, and education. He emphasized the importance of dignity, justice, and inclusion for all community members.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and social equity, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and sustainable community. The council's response to these issues will be crucial in shaping the future of Pinole and its residents.