Pinole Unveils New City Seal, Logo; Native American Man Removed

PINOLE, CA — The city of Pinole's new logo, seal and branding guidelines were unveiled Tuesday during a City Council meeting and were unanimously approved.

The city’s previous seal was created in 1965 and portrays a Native American man with arms crossed with San Pablo Bay and eastern foothills in the background. Pinole’s City Seal Ad Hoc Subcommittee set out to develop the new logo and seal designs after a recommendation from city staff that Pinole move away from using a human mascot on the seal.

"City officials recognize that this is a significant milestone that reflects the culmination of extensive outreach and collaboration ensuring the City's visual identity authentically represents the values and unique experience of the community," said Fiona Epps, assistant to the city manager.

To officialize the seal, city staff will return to the City Council with an ordinance for the Pinole Municipal Code that contains the updated image and its description as the final step in the city seal adoption process.

'Modern And Proud, Looking Into The Future'

The city worked with Tripepi Smith & Associates to translate community survey responses and input from members of the Confederated Nations of Lisjan— the original inhabitants of the land now known as the East Bay — into relevant and fresh logo designs, Epps said.

The city seal design was developed internally by staff using the same collection of community input.

The new city logo stands modern and proud, looking to the future. The design features a wave of water adorned with a triangle pattern referencing the basket artistry of the Ohlone. An iconic "O" in "PINOLE" uses a basket pattern to frame scenery that resonates with Pinoleans.

The seal and logo designs depict a hawk flying into a peaceful valley of oak trees and rolling hills. The hawk represents vision, stewardship and opportunity. A golden sun glows in each design representing warmth and friendliness.

The seal design illustrates Pinole Creek flowing into San Pablo Bay as it peeks through the fog, a familiar presence characteristic of the Bay Area.

Lastly, acorns, the main ingredient in pinole (pee-noh-lay), border the interior image of the seal as a reminder of the city’s rich history. Pinole is a food made from ground acorns that was prepared by the Ohlone and shared with foreign settlers. The acorns symbolize nourishment and legacy.