NEW FOLSOM CITY ENGINEER ANNOUNCED

The City of Folsom proudly announces the selection of Rebecca Neves as its new City Engineer. With an extensive background in civil engineering and public service, Neves is set to lead the city's engineering initiatives, fostering thoughtful community development, and enhancing the overall quality of life for Folsom residents. 

Neves holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Sacramento State and is a licensed professional engineer in civil engineering. She launched her engineering career at a local development firm, designing housing projects, community spaces, and commercial retail centers, including Folsom's Palladio at Broadstone.

In 2014, Neves assumed the role of City Engineer with the City of Placerville, where she spearheaded numerous successful initiatives, from community-supported development projects to securing substantial state and federal grants totaling nearly $53 million. Her expertise also extends to managing state permits, overseeing wastewater treatment plants, and supporting public safety initiatives.

Learn more.

The 40th annual California International Marathon is Sunday, December 3, bringing about 10,000 runners and thousands of spectators to Folsom and the Sacramento region.

The marathon begins at the intersection of Folsom Auburn Road and Folsom Lake Crossing at 7 a.m. The course continues through Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, and Sacramento, and concludes at the State Capitol. Road closures include Folsom-Auburn Road from Folsom Dam Road to Greenback Lane, Folsom Lake Crossing Road from East Natoma Street to Folsom-Auburn Road, and Oak Avenue Parkway from Folsom-Auburn Road to Santa Juanita Avenue. Closures begin at 3 a.m. and roads are planned to reopen at 10 a.m. Detours will be clearly marked. For a complete listing of road closures, schedules, and courses, visit the CIM website.

The CIM was founded in 1983 by the Sacramento Running Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The CIM is certified and sanctioned by USATF and is a Boston Marathon and U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier. Learn more at runsra.org.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT THE FOLSOM ZOO SANCTUARY BEGINS TONIGHT

This annual family event returns for the 13th year with thousands of bright lights, sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures, and displays transforming the zoo sanctuary with holiday spirit. Local caroling groups and musicians provide the merry sounds of the season, and the Folsom Valley Railway miniature train provides special nighttime rides.

Wild Nights and Holiday Lights is open from 5 to 8:30 p.m. December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 15-22 (weather permitting; heavy rains will cancel). All proceeds from the event benefit the zoo sanctuary animals.

Event details:

• Tickets are available at www.folsom.ca.us/HolidayLightsTickets
• Admission and train tickets are only available online; no onsite ticket sales
• Event admission is $10/person and train tickets are $5/person; free for ages under 2 years
• Special treats and beverages are available for purchase from Fisher’s Beastro and from visiting food trucks

Early ticket purchase is encouraged since many nights of the event sell out quickly. Follow Facebook.com/FolsomParksandRec for event updates; call 916-461-6601 with questions.

SANTA’S SLEIGH DELIVERS HOLIDAY CHEER TO FOLSOM

Folsom Police and Fire departments are teaming up with Santa Claus to visit Folsom neighborhoods December 10 through 16. A fleet 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, as well as unwrapped toys for the holiday toy drive. Find Santa’s schedule and information at folsomsantatracker.com/routes.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE UNDERWAY 

The Folsom Citizens Assisting Public Safety (CAPS), in partnership with the Folsom Police and Fire departments, are collecting holiday toys and gift items for Folsom families in need. The program ends December 8. Here are two ways you can help:

• You can select to fulfill the specific wish of a child from the Virtual Christmas Tree, choose to receive an Amazon Wish List, or shop for the item locally.
• Bring a gift of your choosing for a child, teen, or adult. New, unopened, and unwrapped toys, as well as new clothing or gift cards, may be dropped off at designated gift drop-off locations.

Visit folsomtoydrive.com for additional details and designated gift drop-off locations. Contact Jessica Hess at 916-461-6516 or jhess@folsom.ca.us for more information.

ENTER THE FOLSOM HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST

Let’s light up Folsom with holiday cheer! Enter your home, neighborhood, or business into the 3rd Annual Folsom Holiday Lights contest. Prizes will be awarded to the winners and provided by the Folsom Times.

Categories include:

• Holly Jolly Residence – Best overall residence.
• Clark Griswold – Best use of holiday lights (residential).
• Hollywood Christmas – Best use of theme and/or fictional characters (residential).
• Merry and Bright Business – Festive commercial business display (includes window painting).
• Illuminate the Block – Best multi-house display.

Register by December 8 at www.folsom.ca.us/HolidayLightsContest. Learn more about prizes at the Folsom Times.

FOLSOM NEIGHBORHOOD TREE PLANTING EVENT SATURDAY 

Start the holiday season by contributing to the community with the simple act of planting a tree. Join the City of Folsom and the Sacramento Tree Foundation for a volunteer tree planting event this Saturday, December 2. The initiative aims to increase the number of trees in Natomas Heights, Sierra Woods, and nearby neighborhoods near Folsom City Hall. Volunteers will gather in front of the Folsom Senior & Arts Center (48 Natoma Street) at 8:45 a.m.

Learn more and sign up.

988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE: CALL, TEXT, OR CHAT

There is hope. People experiencing mental health crises need to remember just three numbers to dial for help: 988. The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support to people experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Lifeline is available 24/7 and helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.

The federal number, which is available throughout California and eventually throughout the country—is billed as an alternative to 911 for people experiencing mental health emergencies. The new number makes it simpler for people in crisis to tap into the state’s network of 13 Lifeline call centers.

People can call, text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The 988 Lifeline serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

Get connected. Stay informed.

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