City News: Your Weekly Update
May 13, 2021
Folsom City Council Adopts Ordinance to Enforce Illegal Use of Fireworks 
The Folsom City Council adopted an ordinance Tuesday to address the increased usage of illegal fireworks around the Fourth of July holiday and strengthen enforcement capabilities.

The new “Social Host Liability Ordinance” is intended to hold persons in control of a property accountable for the illegal use of fireworks. Under the ordinance, property owners and tenants could face fines for illegal firework displays set off on their property, regardless of whether they ignited the displays. Those found in violation of the ordinance will be fined $1,000.

Illegal use of fireworks is dangerous and has recently resulted in injury and fires in Folsom. Additionally, 9-1-1 calls about illegal fireworks can result in longer public safety response times for other critical emergencies. 

Annual Weed Abatement Work Underway
Dry vegetation can create fire hazards during hot summer months. The City of Folsom has more than 980 acres of city-owned open space, and of that, about 300 acres are weed abated to achieve the required fire safety interface between residential structures and open spaces.

The City of Folsom requires defensible space of at least 30 feet from structures or the property line and the Fire Chief may increase this distance to 100 feet for high-hazard areas. These requirements apply to City-owned property and private property. The city uses multiple ways to reduce or remove dry vegetation including maintenance staff, contractors, and grazing animals such a sheep or goats.

The weed abatement schedule is based on fire hazard ratings determined by the Fire Chief. If you notice an area in need of weed abatement, first check the abatement schedules on the City of Folsom website. If you’d like to report an unscheduled weed abatement need on vacant private property, use SeeClickFix Folsom or contact Lauren Ono, Deputy Fire Marshal, at 916-461-6312.
FCUSD Hosts Pfizer Vaccine Clinic Saturday
The Folsom Cordova Unified School District, in partnership with Sacramento County Public Health and the Cosumnes Fire COVID Program, is hosting a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 at Cordova High School.

This clinic will offer the Pfizer vaccine. A parent/guardian must be present for those under age 18. The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, and the second dose will be provided on Saturday, June 5. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. To book an appointment, visit cosumnesfirecovidprogram.org. For more information, call FCUSD Health Services at 916-294-9013.
How to Read Your Water Meter 
Water meters are a valuable resource. Reading your water meter will tell you how much water you’re using and whether you have a leak. The City of Folsom released a short video that guides you through reading your City of Folsom water meter. 
Water-Wise Tip of the Week
Water-efficient irrigation technology can help you reduce water consumption, save money, and maintain a healthy and beautiful landscape. To assist water customers with water efficiency projects, the City of Folsom offers irrigation upgrade rebates. The rebates cover timers, sprinkler heads, and drip systems. Learn more and apply online. For more information, contact the City of Folsom water conservation team at 916-461-6177 or waterconservation@folsom.ca.us.
Folsom Public Library Bookstore Reopens
The Friends of the Folsom Library bookstore has reopened to the public. The bookstore features new and gently used books, DVDs, CDs, records, audiobooks, and comic books. Located in the Library rotunda, the store is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, pop-up book sales will be held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. The Folsom Public Library is located at 411 Stafford Street. For book sale details and Friends of the Folsom Library membership information, visit foflib.org.
Zip Books…Your Library. Delivered.
Zip Books is a way for you to request books that the Folsom Public Library or its partners do not own or that have waitlists. Eligible books are purchased through Amazon.com and shipped directly to your home—at no cost to you! When you’ve finished with the book, return it to the Folsom Public Library book return with a note indicating it is a Zip Book. Visit the Zip Books page on the Folsom Public Library website for more information or to request a Zip Book. Zip Books is a statewide project of the NorthNet Library System, funded by the California State Library.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund Assistance Available
Eligible restaurants, bars, caterings services, bakeries, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19 can apply for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business, and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as it is spent on uses prior to March 11, 2023.

U.S Small Business Administration Programs

Sacramento Rental Assistance Program Again Accepting Applications from Low-Income Residents 
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) is offering emergency rent and utilities assistance for renters living anywhere in Sacramento County who have experienced a reduction in household income or other financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest application period started on Tuesday, May 11. Eligible applicants can receive assistance for past rent and utilities owed from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 and may qualify to have a portion of their rent paid for April, May, and June 2021. The total assistance amount available will depend on household need. 

City of Folsom Park and Facility Naming: Your Opinion Matters
The Folsom Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking public input regarding the current and possible future guidelines for naming the city’s parks and facilities. The city’s current park naming policy states that park sites under two acres in size will be named after adjacent streets or the subdivision in which they are located. All park sites exceeding two acres in size will be named after an individual or family who has made a significant contribution to the city, or after an important landmark or historical aspect of the area.
 
The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the park naming policy guidelines established by Resolution No. 5177. The commission is now seeking public input about the naming guidelines; interested community members are invited to complete a brief online questionnaire or provide comments and ideas by email. The deadline to respond is Friday, May 21.
 
Information gathered will be compiled by the Parks and Recreation Commission and reported back to the Folsom City Council to assist them in making their final decision as to the future guidelines for naming the city’s parks and facilities.
Folsom Parks & Recreation Reopens Registration Service Counter
Starting Monday, May 17, the public service counter at 48 Natoma Street (located inside the Folsom Senior Center and Folsom Public Art Center) will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for walk-in registration assistance. All visitors and staff are required to wear a face covering while inside the building and maintain social distancing at all times. Service counter staff are also available by phone during the same hours of operation – call 916-461-6601 for registration assistance or to process payments by phone. Please note that the senior lounge remains closed, and no senior programs or services are currently available. 

Gallery at 48 Natoma Extends Hours of Operation

Starting Monday, May 17, the gallery will be open to the public for free, self-guided tours for individuals or groups from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. No appointment is required to visit during regular hours, but admission is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If gallery attendance reaches the maximum allowable capacity of 10 people, staff monitors will direct visitors to wait in line until they can be admitted. Additional self-guided tour hours are available with an advance reservation; tours are limited to a maximum of 10 people in a group. To make a reservation, email cabraham@folsom.ca.us or call 916-461-6601.

The gallery’s current exhibit, “Carousel,” features spectacular photography by Jim Berger of carousels from all over the world, and fantastic horse sculptures by Thelma White. A unique selection of carousel artifacts will also be on display. The exhibit continues through July 1.

The gallery is following current public health guidelines; all visitors and staff are required to wear a face covering while inside the building and maintain social distancing at all times. As the public health guidelines continue to evolve, program and facility operational details may change as well.
Upcoming City Meetings
Library Commission
May 18, 6:30 p.m.

Utility Commission
May 18, 6:30 p.m.

Lighting & Landscape Districts Advisory Commission
May 20, 7 p.m.
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