City News: Your Weekly Update
January 13, 2021
Stay-at-Home Order Lifted for Sacramento Region
The State of California announced that the Greater Sacramento region has been cleared to exit the state's regional stay-at-home order. With a four-week ICU availability projection of greater than 15%, counties in the Greater Sacramento region can resume operating under the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy tier structure. Based on the State’s tier criteria, Sacramento County will be in Purple/Tier 1 Widespread. 

Folsom Public Library Indoor Operations Temporarily Suspended, Takeout Services Resume 
The Folsom Public Library will temporarily cease in-person browsing and computer use. The library will be open for library "takeout" services only from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. A weekly pickup hour reserved for seniors and medically-compromised individuals is available from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays. In order to reduce wait times, library patrons are advised to bring their library card when checking out items. Book returns remain open 24/7, and returned materials will continue to be quarantined for seven days prior to check-in. No fines will accrue at this time. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.
Sacramento County COVID-19 Vaccine Information 
Sacramento County Public Health is coordinating COVID-19 vaccine efforts in alignment with recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 California Governor’s Vaccine Task Force, and the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Working Group.
 
Learn about vaccine safety, distribution planning, and other important information on Sacramento County’s new COVID-19 vaccine webpage.
 
Due to the limited supply of the vaccine, distribution is guided by the California Department of Public Health in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The vaccine will be provided in phases to those with the highest risk. Sacramento County Public Health is working with local partners, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics for vaccine distribution. View the Vaccinate Sacramento County flyer for a summary of current vaccine distribution phases.  
City of Folsom to Explore By-District Elections 
The City of Folsom is considering a transition from existing at-large elections to by-district elections for Folsom City Councilmembers.

Since the City of Folsom was incorporated in 1946, the city has elected its Councilmembers through an at-large election system. Under this system, registered Folsom voters elect the five City Councilmembers regardless of where the candidates reside in the city. Under by-district elections, the city is divided into five districts, and each voter within a district may cast one vote for a candidate residing within that district.

In February 2020, the city received a petition from the Folsom Area Democratic Club and numerous Folsom residents to begin the process to change City Council elections from at-large to by-district. In late October, the city received a letter from the petitioners’ attorney alleging that Folsom’s current at-large method of election may be in violation of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). Under the CVRA, public agencies can be sued when an at-large election system is alleged to have impaired the ability of a protected class to elect candidates of their choice or their ability to influence the outcome of an election.

The legislature established a very low threshold for plaintiffs to win a CVRA lawsuit, and to date, no public agency has successfully defended a legal challenge to remain in an at-large voting system. The costs to defend a CVRA challenge can be tremendously high, in some cases well into several millions of taxpayer dollars.
There has been no finding that the City of Folsom has violated the CVRA or any other law protecting Folsom residents’ rights to vote.
 
At its January 12 meeting, the Folsom City Council directed a public information initiative to educate the community about CVRA and the issue of district elections. Residents are encouraged to learn about the issue and provide feedback at www.folsom.ca.us/districtelections.
Housing Element Update 
The City of Folsom is updating the Housing Element of the General Plan to ensure the city is meeting the housing needs of all members of the community. The plan is designed to provide the city with a coordinated and comprehensive strategy for promoting the production of safe, decent, and affordable housing. The city invites community members to review the Draft Housing Element Update and provide city staff with comments by February 9, 2021. To review the draft plan and for more information, visit www.folsomhousingelement.com.
 
Housing Element Public Review and Hearing Dates:
  • Planning Commission Public Hearing: January 20
  • City Council Public Hearing: February 9
Wood Chips Available for Residents
Planning a landscaping project this winter and spring that involves wood chips? The City of Folsom has free wood chips available to residents at the following three self-serve locations:

  • Behind City Hall at 50 Natoma Street (look for the cell tower behind the rear parking lot).
  • Behind the Folsom rodeo grounds (very northern end of Stafford Street).
  • At Fire Station 36 (next to the sandbag location on Oak Avenue Parkway).

The wood chips are available as long as supplies last. Wood chips are a versatile material for outdoor use such as mulch. The best wood chip mulch is a mix of particle sizes and will include bits of leaves, twigs, and shredded wood – spread it to a 4-inch depth under trees and shrubs. 
Applications to Sell Fireworks in Folsom
The application window for local nonprofit groups to sell state-approved fireworks in the City of Folsom runs from 8 a.m. February 1 through noon March 19. Folsom clubs, such as youth sports groups, school booster clubs, and other civic organizations, 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. 

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 decompose and feed your lawn. For more watering and landscaping tips, visit www.folsom.ca.us/water
Free Hand Sanitizer for Folsom Businesses and Residents at Drive-Thru Events 
The City of Folsom is offering free hand sanitizer to Folsom businesses and residents at two upcoming drive-thru events: 
 
  • Businesses: Tuesday, January 19, from 8 to 10 a.m.  
  • Residents: Friday, January 22, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. 
 
Both events will be held at the Ernie Sheldon Youth Sports Complex parking lot at 405 Natoma Station Drive, Folsom. The 16.9-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer were provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. 
 
Businesses unable to pick up hand sanitizer at the January 19 event can contact Lori Easterwood to make alternate pick-up arrangements. Capacity and supplies are limited. Residents and businesses who attended previous drive-thru distribution events may also take part in the January events.
Seeking Band Submittals for Summer of Music Concert Series: Due January 19
Folsom Parks & Recreation is moving forward with plans for our 2021 Summer of Music concert series. Concerts typically take place from 7 to 9 p.m. every other Friday in June and July at the Gazebo in Folsom City Lions Park. These popular community events attract audiences of every age range and provide a fun activity for families, friends, and neighbors. A wide range of musical genres are featured, including rock, country, jazz, R&B, and more. As we approach the summer months and public health guidelines determine that in-person gatherings are not allowed, we may again move to a virual format as we did last year. The show must go on!

Band applications for the 2021 Summer of Music are due by 9 a.m. Tuesday, January 19. Bands need to supply all their own equipment – we have the facility and electrical source but nothing else. Bands will be selected by an outside committee and notified by mid-February. Include any resumes and website/music sample links in your application; you may also submit your music by CD (mail to Folsom Parks & Recreation, attn: Marilyn Robitaille/Frankie Nelson, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630). For more information and to submit band applications, email Frankie Nelson at fnelson@folsom.ca.us or Marilyn Robitaille at mrobitaille@folsom.ca.us.
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Reopens January 22; Online Tickets Available Starting January 18
The new public health Order allows the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary to reopen to the public starting Friday, January 22. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is only available through online ticket purchase in advance; tickets are not available at the gate. Online tickets are $5 per person for ages 2 and older; ages under 2 years are free (no ticket required).

Online ticket sales open at noon each Monday for that week’s block of tickets. Friends members need to reserve their admission tickets online as well. The number of available tickets is limited each day to allow visitors to maintain social distancing. A mask or cloth face covering is strongly encouraged while visiting the zoo sanctuary and is mandatory when you are not able to maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and anyone who is not a member of your immediate household. Masks are required while waiting in line to enter the zoo sanctuary.

All aboard! We’re pleased to announce that the Folsom Valley Railway miniature steam train will reopen Friday, January 22. The train will operate 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Tickets are $3 per person and available for purchase onsite directly from the train operator. Train seating is reduced to provide space for social distancing and masks must be worn at all times while waiting in line for the train and while riding the train.
City of Folsom Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Closures
City administrative offices will be closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday, January 18. For urgent city issues, call 916-355-7231. Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

  • Garbage service will be provided as usual.
  • Transit services will be available through the Folsom Stage Line operated by SacRT.
  • The Folsom Skate and Bike Parks are open from 1 to 5 p.m.
  • The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center is open for regular lap swim hours from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • The Andy Morin Sports Complex remains closed.
  • The Folsom Senior Center and Public Art Center remain closed.
  • The Gallery at 48 Natoma remains closed.
  • FIDO Field Dog Park is open from 7 a.m. to one hour after sunset.

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary’s online ticket sales open at noon Monday, January 18; the zoo sanctuary reopens for ticket-holders Friday, January 22.
New Folsom Parks & Recreation Programs Available
Folsom Parks & Recreation’s January/February Rec Guide includes new virtual programs for teen and adult guitar lessons, youth and teen computer/tech classes, and adult yoga. In-person programs include the popular after-school R.E.C. Club for kids ages 5-12; tennis for kids, teens, and adults; and the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center’s lap swim program. Browse through the online Rec Guide today and see what’s new!
Upcoming City Meetings
Arts & Cultural Commission Meeting - CANCELED
January 14, 6:30 p.m.

Library Commission Meeting
January 19, 6:30 p.m.

Utility Commission - CANCELED
January 19, 6:30 p.m.
City Council Office Hours
Mayor's Office Hours
Thursdays from 2 - 5 p.m.
Second Floor, City Hall
No Appointment Necessary
Contact the City of Folsom's Communications Director
Christine Brainerd · cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us · 916-461-6013 (office)

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