City News: Your Weekly Update
Week of December 9, 2019
Santa’s Sleigh Visiting Folsom Neighborhoods
Santa and Mrs. Claus have teamed up with the Folsom Fire and Police departments to visit Folsom neighborhoods through December 12. A convoy of emergency vehicles, along with firefighters, police officers, and city officials will escort Santa through the neighborhoods. Santa’s elves will collect non-perishable canned goods to help stock the Twin Lakes Food Bank for the holidays. Find Santa’s schedule and information at folsomsantatracker.com . 
Holiday Lights at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary
This popular annual family event returns for the 10 th year with even more seasonal cheer! Thousands of bright and colorful lights, sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures, and displays transform the zoo sanctuary with holiday spirit. Santa Claus pays a visit each night of the event through December 23 to greet guests and listen to holiday wishes. Local caroling groups and musicians fill the air with the merry sounds of the season, and the Folsom Valley Railway miniature steam train provides special nighttime rides.
 
Wild Nights and Holiday Lights is open from 5 to 8 p.m. December 13 through 23, and 26 through 30 ( weather permitting). Mascots from around the region visit the event Sunday, December 15 to greet guests and pose for photo ops. All proceeds from the Holiday Lights event benefit the zoo sanctuary animals.

Public Hearing on Proposed Rate Increases Tomorrow 
The City of Folsom is currently considering recommendations in an independent rate study to increase rates for water, wastewater, and solid waste services in the years 2020 through 2024, and will hold a public hearing during the regularly scheduled December 10 City Council meeting. The public is invited to attend the hearing to learn more and provide input on the proposed utility rate increases. Information about the proposed rate increases and instructions for submitting a valid written protest are available online at www.folsom.ca.us/utilityrates .
Community Wellness Night December 17 
Relax and take a moment to focus on personal wellness this busy time of year. The Folsom Public Library and Folsom High School invite community members of all ages to attend a Community Wellness Night at the Folsom Public Library Tuesday, December 17 from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Folsom High School physical education teacher and yoga instructor Liz England will lead two identical guided meditation sessions at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. The free event will also feature acoustic guitar music, student mandala art, and wellness organizations from the community. For more information, visit www.folsom.ca.us/library or call 916-461-6131. 
Winter Reading Challenge
Join the Folsom Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge now through January 31. Each age group (kids, teens, and adults) has a chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card! There are two ways to be entered into the drawing: read five books and log your progress on folsom.beanstack.org , or complete a Bingo worksheet available at the library. The challenge is for ages 5+. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library . 
Teen Movie Night
The Teen Library Council presents “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Teen Movie Night on Friday, December 13 at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to everyone ages 13-18. Pizza and snacks are provided. Enjoy the classic movie just for teens in the Library Meeting Room at the Folsom Public Library. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library .
Holiday Safety Tips
The holidays are a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time when busy people can be vulnerable to theft and other crime. By staying alert and following a few crime prevention tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. The Folsom Police Department offers a list of tips to stay safe this holiday season at www.folsom.ca.us/holidaysafety .
Winter Water Savings 
With winter’s shorter and cooler days, your sprinklers shouldn’t need to run until spring. Set your sprinkler timer to “off” and let Mother Nature do the watering. Or, if the weather is dry for several weeks, check soil moisture first and hand water, if needed. Winter is also a great time to rethink your landscape to figure out ways to cut down on your outdoor water use. If you want to add new plants, consider using regionally appropriate, lower-water ones. These will typically not require much irrigation beyond regular rainfall and are more resistant to pests and diseases. Add mulch around garden areas and shrubs to keep the soil moist, reduce evaporation, and inhibit weed growth. Mulching—which can include shredded bark, grass clippings, straw, or leaves—will also help moderate the soil temperature and prevent erosion. If you want to cut down on raking, leave some of the falling leaves on your yard to de-compose and feed your lawn. For more watering and landscaping tips, visit www.folsom.ca.us/water . 
Upcoming City Meetings
City Council Meeting
December 10, 6:30 p.m.
Contact the City of Folsom's Communication Director
Christine Brainerd · cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us · 916-461-6013 (office)

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