City News: Your Weekly Update
Week of January 27, 2020
Green Valley Road Widening Update 
Progress on the Green Valley Road widening project continues, and the project should be completed by late spring. One-way traffic control will occur for nighttime work from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, January 27 - January 29. Motorists can expect minor traffic delays.

With more than 25,000 motorists daily, Green Valley Road is an important connection between Folsom and El Dorado County. The project will improve traffic flow, wait times at nearby traffic signals, and air quality by reducing commute times. 
Tips to Avoid Animal-Car Collisions
The City of Folsom encourages motorists to be cautious and remain alert when driving. As Folsom is surrounded by nature in many areas, wild animals can cause a safety concern on the road. Here are a few tips to avoid collisions with wildlife.

  • If an animal jumps in front of your vehicle, brake quickly and do not swerve.
  • In most cases, hitting the animal will cause less damage than hitting another vehicle.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at night and early morning when it can be difficult to see.
  • Look ahead at the road and shoulders to provide enough reaction time if an animal proceeds to the road. Use high-beam headlights if there’s no oncoming traffic.

If you hit an animal, call the Folsom Police Department at 916-355-7230. 
Folsom Utility Rate Increase  
The Folsom City Council approved utility rate increases that will appear on your utility bill for water, wastewater, and solid waste services beginning February 1. The rate increases will help maintain financial resiliency, provide funding for infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation projects, and allow the city to comply with current and future unfunded mandates—all of which ensure high levels of customer service and reliable utility services. Adjustments to solid waste rates had not been made since 2004, wastewater rates since 2008, and water rates since 2011. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/utilityrates .
Library Story Time: Book and a Badge 
Join the Folsom Police Department at the Folsom Public Library for a special after school storytime at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 29. A police officer and Citizens Assisting Public Safety volunteer will read a favorite book in the storytime room. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library . 
Folsom Rideshare Shuttle Service Now Available 
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) has expanded its popular smart ride on-demand shuttle service in Folsom. The program works in a similar way to other app-based rideshare services. Use your smartphone to schedule a same-day ride anywhere in Folsom, Monday through Friday. Shuttles pick up and drop off riders at virtual stops near their homes or destinations, and riders can track their shuttle in real-time. The fare for a one-way ride is $2.50, $1.25 for seniors, and free for students with a RydeFreeRT Card. A day pass is $7 and groups of five or more ride for free. The app is available to download for free on the App Store or Google Play; simply search for “SacRT SmaRT Ride.” SmaRT Ride customers can also request rides by calling 916-556-0100 or online at ondemand.sacrt.com .
Folsom Senior Center Hosts Free Party Friday 
In honor of the Big Game this weekend, seniors age 55+ are invited to a fun football-themed celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 31. The free event includes light refreshments, a lively quarterback-themed game, bingo, and a raffle. Party-goers may bring a brown-bag lunch. The Folsom Senior Center is located at 48 Natoma Street; call 916-461-6601 for more information.
Folsom Parks & Recreation is Hiring
Preschool Aides

The Fun Factory Preschool program is hiring part-time and on-call/substitute classroom aides to assist lead teachers with activities including games, arts and crafts, carpet time, room preparation and clean-up, and other related duties. Applicants must be age 18 or older, and at least one year of experience working with children in a preschool or school setting is required. Learn more about the position and download an application on the City of Folsom website , or call 916-461-6610 for more information.
Local History Presentation: William Alexander Leidesdorff Jr.
Celebrate Black History Month and learn about the “African Founding Father of California” William Alexander Leidesdorff Jr. Leidesdorff was an influential businessman and civic leader in California before the Gold Rush, and once owned the land where Folsom now sits. Local historian Michael Harris will share about Leidesdorff’s life and lasting impact on California history.

The event will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 8 in the Library Meeting Room. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library . 
Census 2020 is Coming  
April 1, 2020 is an important date—Census Day, 2020. Every ten years, the federal government is required to count every person living in the United States. The 2020 Census is important for you, your family, and your community. The information collected by the census will help City of Folsom and Sacramento County residents ensure our fair share of funding for important programs for our children, schools, health centers, senior citizens, affordable housing, roadways and more. The census provides important data for planning our communities and our elected representation. The 2020 Census will offer the new option to fill out the questionnaire online, as well as by phone, mail, or in-person. It is also available in 13 languages, and there are community-based organizations ready to assist or answer questions. The first mailings of the 2020 Census will be distributed in mid-March. By the first week of April, households should receive a letter or postcard about how to complete the Census questionnaire. Reminder postcards will be sent in late April and in May, in-person Census workers will visit homes that have not yet completed the questionnaire. For more information, visit www.saccensus.net .
Join the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary Docent Training Class
Do you have a passion for animals and want to make a difference? Consider joining the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary’s volunteer docent team! Docents serve a vital role in helping to promote the zoo sanctuary’s educational mission of teaching responsible behavior toward all animals. Docents host school tours, staff booths at community events, help with youth camps, assist at special events, and more. The docent training class begins February 11; deadline to register is February 7 (docents must be at least age 21). Call 916-461-6601 for more information.
Free Educational Workshop Tuesday
Presenter Bill Corley, CFP, RICP, presents his “How to Avoid the Tax Bombs in Your Retirement,” workshop 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 28. Bill will discuss ways to anticipate expenses in retirement and how taxes affect your savings, withdrawals, and Social Security benefits. A question and answer period is included. The workshop is free for ages 50+, but you must reserve a seat in advance by calling 916-461-6601. The Folsom Senior Center is located at 48 Natoma Street, next to Folsom City Hall.
Upcoming City Meetings
City Council Meeting
January 28, 6:30 p.m
City Council Office Hours
Mayor's Office Hours
January 30, 2 - 5 p.m.

City Council Mobile Office Hours
February 1, 10 a.m. - noon
Bel Air, 2760 E. Bidwell Street
Contact the City of Folsom's Communication Director
Christine Brainerd · cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us · 916-461-6013 (office)

City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us