Pinole graduates first Citizens Academy; participants praise program while some residents fault limited seats and access

Pinole—s City Council heard a report on the city—s inaugural Citizens Academy on Sept. 2, which graduated 21 participants after three in-person sessions and a final exam. City Manager Kelsey Young and other department leaders presented the program, and organizers said all course slides are posted on the city website. The Citizens Academy is intended to give residents a working knowledge of city departments and operations and to build civic engagement. Organizers said the first cohort of 30 registrants was capped to encourage discussion; 21 participants completed the course and four city staff members attended sessions after hours. The city says materials and a curriculum are ready for additional cohorts and an advanced course. Supporters and graduates told the council the program helped demystify local government. Tracy Walker, a graduate, praised the academy—s presenters for "deepening my understanding of how our city functions" and said she looks forward to a second phase. In a short video shown during the presentation, several graduates described the course as informative and motivating. But multiple residents raised concerns during public comment. Irma Ruport told the council she was excluded from the sessions, called the selection of 30 participants "controlling the narrative," and asked why sessions were not televised. Anthony Vosprink and other commenters urged a hybrid or recorded format so people who cannot attend in person can participate. Sheila Grist asked for a clear cost breakdown and suggested publishing question-and-answer summaries to avoid repeating answers across sessions. City Manager Young and Council Member Tom (who observed a session) responded: no charge was imposed on attendees for this inaugural offering, the slide deck is available online, and staff will consider expanding sessions, recording presentations and running an advanced class. Young said program materials can be repackaged for future cohorts and that organizers are exploring a public graduation ceremony and possible optional materials fee only if warranted. The council did not take a formal vote on the program. Staff said they will continue with a second Citizens Academy cohort and consider scheduling an advanced course; the presentation package is already on the city website. Council members asked staff to send the slide deck and additional detail to the full council.