City News: Your Weekly Update
April 14, 2020
Virtual Recreation Center
Folsom Parks & Recreation has launched a Virtual Recreation Center to help residents keep active and engaged with fun and educational resources for all ages. As we all do our part to stay at home and practice social distancing, we remain committed to providing our community members with ideas and information to enhance your health and well-being.
City of Folsom Issues Additional Emergency Order
Folsom City Manager Elaine Andersen issued a third emergency order on April 10 to help further prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Folsom community. Emergency Order DES-03-20:

  • Temporarily suspends the 72-hour recreational vehicle parking limit for first responders who choose to isolate themselves to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the ongoing health emergency. With certain limited exceptions, the City of Folsom Municipal Code limits recreational vehicle parking on city streets for no more than 72 consecutive hours. The Emergency Order temporarily suspends this parking restriction for first responders assisting with the COVID-19 response.

  • Requires City of Folsom non-public safety employees to maintain a six-foot social distance while at work. The Order strongly recommends that city employees wear face cloth coverings over their nose and mouth when they are engaged in essential activities or visiting essential businesses. Visitors to city facilities, including Folsom City Hall, are also strongly encouraged to wear face coverings. 
 
The emergency order remains in effect until termination of the local emergency by the Folsom City Council.
City Launches Web-based Platforms for Planning, Building, and Engineering Projects 
The City of Folsom Community Development Department launched new, streamlined, web-based platforms for commercial and residential planning, building, and engineering applications and permits. 

Through ePlan, customers can now submit digital applications and plans directly to the city electronically without having to leave their home or business. The new ePermit Center serves as a one-stop site for applications and review of Building, Planning, Engineering, and Tree Permit applications, plans, and documents. 

The new ePlan Review and ePermit Center will improve the development review process and save time and reduce costs for customers.

Sacramento Regional Transit Continues Operation with Modified Schedule 
. Effective Monday, April 13, SacRT has added more frequency and earlier start times to some bus and light rail routes to help customers travel to essential destinations like work, grocery stores, and medical appointments. SacRT continues to operate Folsom Stage Line bus service (routes 10 and 30) and Folsom SmaRT Ride on-demand microtransit shuttles Monday through Friday. 

SacRT is cleaning and sanitizing buses, light rail vehicles, and facilities daily and urging riders to download the ZipPass mobile fare app or purchase a Connect Card instead of using cash to help reduce touch points. As an added precaution, SacRT implemented rear door boarding on all buses. More information about the modified schedule and COVID-19 precautions is available at  sacrt.com . 
Learn to Make a Homemade Face Covering with City Manager Elaine Andersen
City Manager Elaine Andersen shows how to make a homemade face covering with items you likely already have at home-- no sewing required! Wearing a face covering helps us protect each other and ourselves.
Sacramento County Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing
Drive-thru testing at Cal Expo is now open to the public. Those who meet eligibility requirements will be scheduled for a free COVID-19 drive-thru test. The COVID-19 testing location is unable to take walk-ins and testing is by appointment only. Medical care is not provided on-site. Learn more at  www.projectbaseline.com .  
April 15, 2020 COVID-19 Cases 
Sacramento County: 853
Folsom: 16

Sacramento County Department of Public Health is the lead agency managing the local COVID-19 public health emergency. For the latest public health information, including local confirmed cases, visit  Covid19.SacCounty.net .

View Sacramento County's COVID-19 case dashboard at  bit.ly/SacCountyDashboard .
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
Dispatchers are often the first in line in emergency service response – the calming voice you hear when you are hurt, in danger, or need help fast. The week of April 14 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, which honors the women and men who answer 911 emergency calls and dispatch police, fire, and paramedic personnel that provide life-saving assistance. In March alone, Folsom dispatchers handled more than 7,500 telephone calls. This year, the Folsom Police Department honored dispatchers Lauren Muhoberac and Ashley Antonelli with Folsom Police Department Service Awards. Join us in honoring the “first” first responders who are on the frontlines of emergencies and ensure help is on the way when we need it the most. 
Park Patrol Program
The City of Folsom started a Park Patrol program to help educate people in our parks about social distancing and closure requirements. Patrol staff are circulating through every park several times each day, seven days a week, and are available to answer any questions you may have and to assist with compliance of the Sacramento County Public Health Orders and the City of Folsom closures . 
Spring Reading Challenge at the Library
The Folsom Public Library’s Spring Reading Challenge is underway! Readers of all ages are challenged to read five books by April 30. Complete the challenge and enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Visit folsom.beanstack.org to sign up and get started. 
Harry Potter Available in the Library’s eBooks
Unlock the magic and download the Libby app to borrow Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in eBook and eAudiobook , with no waitlists or holds for the month of April. 
National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week
This year's National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week is an especially important one, as animal control officers and shelter staff everywhere continue to work on the frontlines to navigate the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Folsom Police Department highlights Animal Services Officer Cedar Catanio.

Cedar works tirelessly to protect the welfare of helpless animals and works hard to serve the Folsom community. Cedar’s days range from enforcing animal control laws, to rescuing baby ducks from storm drains, to educating the public on proper pet care. She has a difficult job that she loves, and she consistently maintains a positive attitude. 

At home, Cedar has two “fur babies” who eagerly await her return every day. She enjoys spending as much of her time as possible with her pups in the great outdoors.  
New Rebate Program for Weather-Based “Smart” Sprinkler Controllers
City of Folsom water service customers can now save $150 on a Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller through a new rebate program offered by the City of Folsom in partnership with the Regional Water Authority and local water providers.

The Rachio 3 Controller acts like a thermostat for your sprinklers, using local weather conditions to adjust how long your sprinklers run. You can also manage the controller from your smart phone with the Rachio app.

It’s estimated that replacing a standard controller with a WaterSense-labeled smart controller like the Rachio 3 can save an average home about 13,500 gallons of water per year. The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller typically retails for about $220 but is being offered at a reduced price of $75. Residents are responsible for the installation.

Rebates are available for a limited time on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at rwa.rachio.com .
Learn a New Language 
Take your career to the next level, plan the trip of your dreams, or get in touch with your heritage. The Folsom Public Library offers Mango Languages , a great way to learn a new language while staying safe at home. Choose from more than 70 languages and dialects. Lessons range from beginner to expert. Mango Languages uses advanced learning techniques and expert-level instruction to make learning a new language easy and fun. 
Stay Informed
Comprehensive and up-to-the-minute Sacramento County Public Health information about COVID-19 can be found at   Covid19.SacCounty.net.

For the latest City of Folsom COVID-19 information and updates, visit  www.folsom.ca.us/covid-19. Follow us online on Facebook,  Twitter,  Instagram, and  Nextdoor.
Upcoming City Meetings
April 15, 5 p.m.

Planning Commission - CANCELED
April 15, 6:30 p.m.
City Council Office Hours
Mayor's Office Hours
April 16, 2-5 p.m.

In light of the County's stay at home order, Mayor Sarah Aquino encourages you to call or email her with your questions, comments, or concerns. She may be reached at 916-798-5380 or   saquino@folsom.ca.us.
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