City News: Your Weekly Update
Week of January 13, 2020
Folsom Police Department's New App to Help Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities 
The Folsom Police Department has deployed Vital Aware Services, a potentially life-saving application to help individuals with cognitive vulnerabilities, such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, Downs Syndrome, Autism, or other cognitive disorders. 

Vitals Aware Services is a service designed to help individuals with various conditions and disabilities communicate with first responders in real-time -- allowing for safe interactions, a deeper understanding, and an enhanced person-centered care approach. 

When emergency service workers respond to calls regarding Vitals enrollees, they immediately receive critical information on their smartphones that will help them deescalate or resolve a situation by providing a response catered to a person’s specific needs and vulnerabilities. This information allows officers to assist them to safety or back to their caregiver. 

2020 State of the City 
Join the Folsom Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Sarah Aquino for the annual State of the City address from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, January 23. In the annual address, Mayor Aquino will review last year's milestones and discuss initiatives for 2020. The speech will be available on the city's website following the event. Tickets to the State of the City event are available on the Chamber's website .  
SacRT Expands Mico-transit Service to Folsom 
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) has expanded its popular on-demand micro-transit service to six new communities, including Folsom. Similar to other ride-hailing services, SmaRT Ride relies on a smartphone app to schedule customized trips. The app, called SacRT SmaRT Ride, is powered by Via , the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand mobility solutions. Via’s advanced algorithms enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle in an efficient manner. 

The new service zones offer corner-to-corner service where passengers are picked up and dropped off at the nearest corner or “virtual bus stop,” which is usually within a block or two of their pickup or drop-off location, ensuring pickups and drop-offs are as efficient as possible.

All SmaRT Ride users will need to download the new SacRT SmaRT Ride app. The new app is available to download for free on the App Store or Google Play . Simply search for “SacRT SmaRT Ride.” SmaRT Ride customers will also be able to request rides by calling 916-556-0100 or by going online to ondemand.sacrt.com .

Be Counted, Folsom!
2020 Census

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau counts every person in the country. The next census begins on April 1 and it will be the first to utilize online responses. Beginning mid-March, Folsom households will receive a mailed invitation to respond to the census. Every household will have the option to respond online, by mail, or by phone. The data collected from the 2020 Census is important as it determines federal, state, and local representation and is used to distribute billions of dollars in federal funds to state and local governments. Local benefits include funding for transportation, school programs, health and social services, and more. For more details about the census, visit www.census2020.saccounty.net .
Meet with the Mayor
Drop in and meet with Mayor Sarah Aquino Thursday afternoons from 2 to 5 p.m. to discuss your ideas, issues, and concerns.

Folsom City Hall, Mayor’s Office (Second Floor)
50 Natoma Street, Folsom
No appointment necessary

On the rare occasion the Mayor is unavailable, the office will be staffed by another member of the council or a senior member of the city staff.

The Mayor will also hold mobile office hours. Join Mayor Aquino and Councilmember Roger Gaylord from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, February 1 at Bel Air, 2760 E. Bidwell Street (Johnny Cash Room). Stay informed at www.folsom.ca.us/officehours . 
Zoning Code Update and Accessory Dwelling Unit Workshop
The City of Folsom is updating its zoning code with the goal of creating clear expectations for quality development and making those expectations easy to understand and follow. A series of community outreach events and workshops are being held to share information and obtain community feedback. Workshops on the Zoning Code Update and on Accessory Dwelling Units are scheduled for Wednesday, January 15. 

Known as second units or “granny flats,” the State has passed new laws, which went into effect on January 1, that require cities and counties to change their current regulations to allow Accessory Dwelling Units on all residential lots if requested by the property owner.

The first workshop with the Historic District Commission at 5 p.m. will be about the new Accessory Dwelling Unit laws and the City’s draft ordinance. The second and third workshops will be with the Planning Commission at 6:30 p.m. The Planning Commission workshops will also cover Accessory Dwelling Units as well as the Zoning Code Update, specifically development standards, design, allowed uses, and districts.

The Accessory Dwelling Unit presentation will be the same for both the Historic District Commission and the Planning Commission. Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 50 Natoma Street. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/zoningcode .
Applications to Sell Fireworks in Folsom
The application period for local nonprofit organizations or corporations to sell state-approved fireworks in the City of Folsom begins February 3 through March 20. Folsom’s nonprofit organizations, organized primarily for charitable, religious, educational, athletic, veteran, patriotic, welfare, civic betterment, or similar purposes, are eligible to sell "Safe and Sane" fireworks to the public during the Fourth of July holiday season as a way to raise money for their Folsom-based organization. For more information, visit the Folsom Fire Department's  webpage .
Winter Reading Challenge
It's not too late to join the Folsom Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge. Each age group (kids ages five and up, teens, and adults) has a chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card! There are two ways to be entered into the drawing: log five books you have read by January 31 at  folsom.beanstack.org , or complete a Bingo worksheet with reading and other activities available at the library. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library . 
Volunteer Opportunity: Assist Folsom’s First Responders 
The Folsom Fire Department’s annual Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) course begins in March. The course curriculum includes: how to assist family members and neighbors until emergency responders arrive, disaster preparedness, first aid, search and rescue, and emergency response plans. Students who complete the required training course and pass a background check will become members of the Folsom Fire Department’s volunteer CERT team. The CERT training course is free; participants must be age 18 or older, and preference is given to applicants who live or work in Folsom. For more information, or to register, please email Deputy Fire Marshal Lauren Ono at Lono@folsom.ca.us . 
LEGO® Building Contest
Put your skills to the test in the Folsom Public Library’s LEGO®Building Contest. LEGO® maniacs are invited to submit their best original creations for competition. Entries are due to the Folsom Public Library beginning Tuesday, January 21 through 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25. Judging will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 25, and the public is invited to view the entries and cast votes for their favorite in each age group. For more information and contest rules, visit www.folsom.ca.us/library . 
Now Hiring: Folsom Parks & Recreation Preschool Aides
Folsom Parks & Recreation’s 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.
Join the Zoo Sanctuary Volunteer Docent Team
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 other ongoing duties. The docent training class begins February 10; deadline to register is February 3 (docents must be at least age 21). Call 916-461-6601 for more information.
Free Educational Workshop Tuesday: From Big Gulch to Hinkle Creek - January 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Join author Kevin Knauss and learn how the California Gold Rush transformed Hinkle Creek and the role that Isaac Hinkle played in the development of the area. The workshop is for ages 10+; preregistration is required to reserve a seat. Call 916-461-6601 for more information.
Senior Educational Workshop  
The Folsom Senior Center presents a free, hands-on iPhone workshop from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 24 for ages 50+. Staff from California Phones, a program of the California Public Utilities Commission, will demonstrate how to use your iPhone’s basic functions, how to send and receive text messages, how to adjust volume settings, and other helpful tips. The workshop is free, but preregistration is required to reserve a seat. Register online or call 916-461-6601 for more information.
Free Gallery Reception for California Art Club Exhibit
The Gallery at 48 Natoma hosts a free public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 24 for the outstanding new exhibit, “Mid-California Highlights: From the Sierra to the Sea.” The exhibit showcases 65 paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylics, and pastels by current members of the renowned California Art Club (CAC) chapters including Greater Sierra/Sacramento, Monterey, and San Francisco. Founded in 1909, the CAC is one of the most established and most active art organizations in the country. The adjacent Community Exhibition Gallery features “California Highlights,” and the work of Folsom Arts Association members. The reception includes live guitar music by Daniel Roest and light refreshments. The galleries are located in the 48 Natoma Art Center; regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Pictured: Gold Rush , oil by Paul Kratter.
Folsom Teen Council Invites Students to Get Involved in the Community
The Folsom Teen Council is made up of high school students living in Folsom. These students volunteer at a variety of City of Folsom special events, assist with the school district and/or PTA events at local elementary schools, and help at numerous other events throughout the community. In December, the group donated nearly $2,000 for underserved youth in the STARS Enrichment Program to shop for holiday gifts for themselves and their family members. Members of the Teen Council, Folsom’s Hope, and Folsom police officers helped the shoppers push their carts and select gifts at this fun event.

Local teens who just want to make the world a better place are invited to join the Folsom Teen Council. Upcoming activities include hosting a pancake breakfast at the Folsom Senior Center, assisting with the Spring Eggstravaganza carnival and egg hunt, and helping at other fun community events. Find a Teen Council application on the City of Folsom website or contact Nicole Benbow at 916-461-6619.
The City of Folsom will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20
City administrative offices will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For urgent City issues, call 916-355-7231. Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

  • Garbage service will be provided as usual. If Monday is your collection day, please place your cans curbside by 6 a.m.
  • Transit services will be available through the Folsom Stage Line operated by SacRT.
  • The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The Andy Morin Sports Complex will be open regular hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center will be open for lap swim from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15
  • The Fun Factory Preschools will be closed.
  • The FIDO Field Dog Park will be open from 7 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
  • The Cummings Skate and Bike Park will be open from 9 to 5 p.m.
  • The Folsom Public Library is closed on Mondays.
  • The Folsom Senior Center and Gallery at 48 Natoma will be closed.
Upcoming City Meetings
Parks and Recreation Commission - SPECIAL MEETING
January 13, 6:30 p.m.

City Council
January 14, 6:30 p.m.

Historic District Commission
January 15, 5 p.m.

Planning Commission
January 15, 6:30 p.m.

Arts and Cultural Commission
January 16, 6:30 p.m.

Landscaping & Lighting District Advisory Committee
January 16, 7 p.m.
City Council Office Hours
Mayor's Office Hours
January 16, 2-5 p.m.
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