City News: Your Weekly Update
August 20, 2020
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Air Quality and City Facilities Update |
Smoke from Northern California wildfires is causing poor air quality in the Sacramento region, including Folsom.
With smoke and excessive heat warnings in effect, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Sacramento County Public Health, and Folsom Fire Department advised residents to stay indoors whenever possible.
The following City of Folsom facilities are closed through Sunday, August 23:
- Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
- Curbside Library Services
- Steve Miklos Aquatic Center
- Cummings Family Skate & Bike Park
- Sport conditioning, fitness, and recreational classes on City of Folsom fields and outdoor facilities
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Community Service Day: Safe and Socially-Distanced Volunteer Opportunities Open |
Six feet apart and stronger than ever! Folsom will continue its annual Community Service Day on Saturday, September 19 while protecting the safety of our residents, staff, project leaders, and volunteers.
Community Service Day will look a little different this year, as public health orders require social distancing and prohibit public gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There are many opportunities to safely serve the community through planned donation drives, blood drives, at-home projects, and socially distanced outdoor projects. Learn more and sign up: www.folsomcommunityservice.org
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Folsom Cooling/Clean Air Center Open |
The City of Folsom has opened a cooling/clean air center during a stretch of extreme triple-digit heat through Wednesday, August 26. The 48 Natoma Senior & Arts Center, located at 48 Natoma Street in Folsom, will be open from Noon to 7 p.m.
A cool, air-conditioned space will be provided at the cooling/clean air center managed by the Folsom Fire Department and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers. The California Department of Public Health guidance for cooling/clean air centers on COVID-19 will be followed, including screening for temperature and symptoms, wearing masks, cleaning and disinfecting commonly used surfaces, and maintaining physical social distancing.
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Folsom Parks & Recreation Seeking Name Submittals for Future Parks |
Folsom Parks & Recreation is seeking names to include in the Suggested Park Names list. It is city policy that all park sites exceeding two acres in size must be named after an individual or family who has made a significant contribution to Folsom, or after an important landmark or historical aspect of the area.
A suggested park name submittal is limited to no more than two pages and should include background information (landmark/historical aspect), biography and contact information (individuals/family), and contact information for the submitter. Incomplete submittals shall be cause for rejection.
Submitted names will be reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Commission Park Naming Ad Hoc Committee. Qualifying names and a name recommendation for Neighborhood Park #3 – the first park being planned for the Folsom Plan Area – will be forwarded to the Parks & Recreation Commission. The Commission will take action to add the names to the list and dedicate a name for Neighborhood Park #3, and will forward their recommendation to the Folsom City Council for final approval.
Submittals may be made by email or mailed to Folsom Parks & Recreation, Attention: Aparna Vanka, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630. Emailed submittals must be received by 5 p.m. September 30, 2020; mailed submittals must be postmarked September 30.
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The R.E.C. Club for Kids Starts August 24 – Register Today! |
Folsom Parks & Recreation’s new R.E.C. Club is an afternoon enrichment program for kids ages 6 to 12. The R.E.C. Club provides structured and free choice recreation, enrichment activities, homework and distance learning support, outdoor play, and socialization. The program's quality, age-appropriate activities encourage social development, promote physical and mental wellness, and provide diverse experiences. Our caring staff are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.
The R.E.C. Club is held from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma Street. Space is limited, and preregistration is mandatory. Program activities and requirements for staff and participants will follow the current Sacramento County Public Health Order. Sessions begin August 24, 2020 and continue through December – learn more and register today.
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Sutter Street Closure Postponed |
Due to unhealthy air quality anticipated through the weekend, the Sutter Street road closure planned to welcome more diners and shoppers outdoors in Historic Folsom will be postponed.
A Sutter Street closure is planned for Friday, August 28 – 30, if air quality improves. The Sutter Street closure will create a walkable outdoor shopping and extended dining area featuring spacious seating and ambient lighting. The closures are intended to help Historic District merchants and restaurants that have faced hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic and have a limited capacity within their proprieties to accommodate diners and customers safely with social distancing.
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New Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance |
The new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance approved by the Folsom City Council takes effect this month. ADUs — also known as “granny flats,” in-law units, or second dwelling units — are attached or detached residential dwelling units typically on the same property as a single-family home. New California laws went into effect this year to encourage the development of ADUs as a more affordable housing option in existing and new neighborhoods. Folsom’s ordinance updates the rules for ADUs to comply with the new laws and to provide additional standards for larger and taller ADUs, particularly those in the Historic District.
The application and submittal requirements for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the City of Folsom have changed. With the adoption of the City’s new ADU Ordinance, ADUs larger than 800 square feet or taller than 16 feet require Design Review approval before submitting an application for a building permit. For the ADU application checklist, and additional information about the new ADU Ordinance, including the City’s new ADU Design Workbook, visit www.folsom.ca.us/adu.
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Folsom Parks & Recreation’s Kindergarten Readiness program is accepting registrations for the 2020-21 school year. This nine-month preschool program for four-year-old children is held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday at the Hinkle Creek Nature Center. The curriculum offers both developmental and academic readiness. Class begins August 31; call 916-461-6618 or email strobee@folsom.ca.us for more information and to register. Find a program overview and answers to frequently asked questions online.
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Folsom Reads 13,234 Books for Summer Reading Program |
The Folsom Public Library’s Summer Reading Program once again proved popular, despite COVID-19. 1,080 people participated in the reading program. Kids and teens received a free paperback book prize, and all participants were entered into grand prize drawings for Target gift cards. The summer readers recorded a whopping 13,234 books read from June 1 through August 15! Congratulations to all the readers who completed the challenge. |
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2020 Census - Help Ensure Critical Funding and Representation for Our Community |
There are still some Folsom residents who have not responded to the 2020 Census, and we need to get everyone counted. Funding for our community’s critical programs that support hospitals, housing, education, and emergency preparedness is based in part on accurate Census counts. The Census also helps determine how voting districts are shaped, and the number of voices representing us. The self-response period — which includes online, phone, and mailed responses — is extended to October 31 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If you haven't filled out the #2020Census just yet, Census takers will visit your home to help you complete it. You can identify a Census taker by their official badge (which will include their name, their photograph, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date).
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Free COVID-19 Testing Sites |
Sacramento County, through its partnership with Folsom-based biotech company StemExpress, has opened additional community testing centers that will expand testing and expedite test results. Results are guaranteed a 72-hour turnaround time and the process is easy. Ten new community-based testing sites offer:
- Available appointments. Each site has 200 – 300 tests per day.
- Free tests to residents regardless of insurance or citizenship status.
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Testing for children 2 years or older.
- Test results within 72 hours (even on weekends).
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Landscaping & Lighting District Advisory Committee
August 20, 7 p.m.
City Council Meeting
August 25, 6:30 p.m.
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City Council Office Hours |
Mayor's Office Hours
Thursdays from 2 - 5 p.m.
Second Floor, City Hall
No Appointment Necessary
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Contact the City of Folsom's Communications Director
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Get Connected, Stay Informed |
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