City News
October 7, 2021
City of Folsom Launches New Water Conservation Rebates
The City of Folsom announced two new programs designed to reduce residential water use, including a “cash for grass” rebate program and a smart home water monitoring system rebate.

The new incentive programs are part of the city’s efforts to help the community be more efficient with water use. Folsom is under a Stage 3 water conservation warning, and water customers are required to reduce water use by 20%.

  • The Cash for Grass - Turf Replacement Rebate Program provides incentives to City of Folsom water customers for converting water-thirsty lawns to water-efficient landscapes. The City of Folsom will rebate customers $1 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with a water-efficient landscape, up to $2,000 per address.

  • The City of Folsom now offers a new smart home water monitoring system rebate program. A Flume Smart Home Water Monitor works with any water meter and is easily self-installed in minutes. The corresponding app allows users to virtually view and monitor indoor and outdoor water use from anywhere, at any time. This increased visibility provides complete home protection by catching and alerting users of leaks as they happen. The city is offering residents a rebate to purchase the device for $75 plus tax (a nearly 63% savings). Once installed and activated, the customer will also receive a $25 refund from Flume.
 
Public Hearing to Transition to By-District Elections
The next public hearing to transition to by-district elections for the Folsom City Council will be held Tuesday, October 12.

After weighing potentially high litigation costs, the Folsom City Council approved a resolution at its July 27 meeting declaring its intent to transition to a by-district election system for electing future Folsom City Council members. Learn more about this decision by the City Council.
The process for establishing districts is controlled by federal and state laws, including data from the federal census. The city has hired a professional demographer to assist in the creation of proposed district boundaries based on demographics and input from Folsom residents. 

The October 12 public hearing will inform the public about the districting process, present options, provide the public an opportunity to weigh in on district composition, and receive community input.

Next, draft district maps will be drawn, and the public hearings on November 9 and December 14 will provide an opportunity for public input regarding the content of the draft maps. The draft maps will be published at least seven days before the public hearing on November 9.

At the January 11 hearing, the City Council will take action to adopt a district map and introduce an ordinance that establishes by-district elections. City Council meetings and public hearings are open to the public.

Folsom Police Department Receives $63,000 Traffic Safety Grant
The Folsom Police Department will roll out a police traffic services program to deter dangerous and illegal driving behaviors that increase the risk of crashes in the community. A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will pay for additional enforcement measures, including: 

  • Patrols with emphasis on alcohol and drug-impaired driving prevention.
  • Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
  • Patrols with emphasis on the education of traffic rights for bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Patrols with emphasis on awareness and education of primary causes of crashes: excess speed, failure to yield, failure to stop at stop signs/signals, improper turning/lane changes.
  • Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speed, bicycle, and pedestrian safety.
  • Collaborative efforts with neighboring agencies on traffic safety priorities.
  • Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
Folsom Glass Pumpkin Patch this Weekend
Folsom Parks & Recreation and 2BGlass Studio present the third annual event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 9 and 10 on the grounds of the Folsom Art Center, 48 Natoma Street. Spectacular outdoor displays will showcase thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins of every color, shape, and size available for purchase. New this year are acorns, feathers, apples, snails, flowers, and other unique items – all created out of hand-blown glass. These festive glass works of art are available in a variety of price points, providing a rare opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind glass art created by brothers Aaron and Tate Bezdek, the owners of 2BGlass Studio, and talented glass artists from 15 other studios. Proceeds from this event benefit Folsom Parks & Recreation’s community arts education programs at the Folsom Art Center.

Admission to the Glass Pumpkin Patch is free. The City of Folsom is following public health guidelines provided by local, state, and federal officials. As these guidelines evolve, event details may change as well. For more information, call 916-461-6601.
October is National Arts and Humanities Month
Folsom Parks & Recreation invites all residents to join in this month’s celebration of the arts. The Fall Rec Guide includes a variety of fine arts classes for adults and seniors. The classes are held at the Folsom Art Center, located at 48 Natoma Street. The Art Center is also home to The Gallery at 48 Natoma that features the work of professional and emerging artists, and the Community Gallery that showcases the work of students and amateurs.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma hosts a free public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 15 for the new exhibit “Found in Nature” featuring paintings by Randy Honerlah and Judy Lew Loose, and wood sculptures by Lutz Hornischer. The adjacent Community Gallery features nature photography by members of the FolPho Photography Club. The reception includes live music and light refreshments. The gallery’s regular hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The exhibits continue through January 13.

Other events celebrating Arts and Humanities month include film screenings, museum exhibits, concerts, dining experiences, and artists’ demonstrations. Find a complete list of all events at www.folsompresents.com.
Park Naming Campaign for First Park in the Folsom Plan Area
The city is seeking name submittals for the first park in the Folsom Plan Area, currently referred to as Neighborhood Park #3 (NP#3). A new policy approved by the City Council in September allows parks to utilize names that have been on the Suggested Park Names List for five years. Additionally, names can reflect local themes, geography, history, and relevant biological/environmental elements. During the public design process for NP#3, the residents and neighbors voted to select Gold Rush/Mining as the theme to be incorporated into the design of the park – name submittals could also utilize the theme.
 
Name submittals must include:

  • Suggested park name
  • Justification – background information for a local theme, geography, history, or relevant biological/environmental element(s); OR biography and contact information for names of individuals/families
  • Contact information of the submitter

The Parks and Recreation Commission will review submitted names and take action to recommend a name for the park. The proposed name will then be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Find more information about NP#3 and the park naming campaign on the City of Folsom website.

Small Business Startup Workshop Series at the Library 
This new, interactive Small Business Startup Workshop Series is for anyone who is considering starting their own business or who wants to take their existing business to the next level. Using Alex Osterwalder’s Value Proposition Design, a one-page business model canvas can help you save time and money as you design and refine your business idea. Experienced instructors will guide you through a planning process that adds value to both customers and your business. Attend any or all workshops. Registration is recommended. 
Folsom's Veterans Day Parade Accepting Entries
Thousands will honor local veterans at the 21st annual Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade Thursday, November 11. The parade is held rain or shine and begins at 9 a.m. on East Bidwell Street in front of the Target/Home Goods shopping center. The City of Folsom is accepting parade entries through Friday, October 29. Find entry forms and information on the City of Folsom website or call 916-461-6615 with questions.
New Music and Movement Class for Babies & Preschoolers
Folsom Parks & Recreation offers the new Zumbini® program for babies through 4-year-olds and their parents. The class combines music, dance, and educational tools for 45 minutes of learning and entertainment. Join us for this intentional time to connect, bond, and have fun with your little one in this unique and engaging program. Class begins October 12; learn more and register online, or call 916-461-6601 for more information. 
Barnyard Buddies: New Program for Young Animal Lovers
Calling young animal lovers ages 4 to 6! The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary’s new program – Barnyard Buddies – will teach little ones about our amazing animals with a guided tour of the zoo sanctuary and an introduction to some of our special animal ambassadors. The adventure continues with daily crafts, songs, dancing and movement, and games. Each child will receive a commemorative photo of them meeting an animal introduced in class. Classes takes place from 10 a.m. to Noon October 11-13. Register online or call 916-461-6601 for more information.
Contact the City of Folsom Communications Director
Christine Brainerd · cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us · 916-461-6013 (office)

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