TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BEGINS AT EAST BIDWELL STREET AND IRON POINT ROAD 

Work has begun on a project to improve traffic flow at the Iron Point Road and East Bidwell Street intersection.

The project will improve intersection operations and reduce the queue length on Iron Point Road between Cavitt Drive and East Bidwell Street. The project will:

• Add a third left turn lane from westbound Iron Point Road to southbound East Bidwell Street, easing access to Highway 50.
• Convert the westbound Highway 50 onramp HOV lane to a metered, general-purpose lane.
• Restripe the onramp to add an additional lane onto westbound Highway 50.

Nighttime work will take place on East Bidwell Street from Iron Point Road to the Highway 50 westbound onramp from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The onramp may be partially or fully closed during this time. To access the Highway 50 onramp, vehicles will be detoured from Iron Point Road to Prairie City Road.

The city does not anticipate the project will create significant traffic delays, but the work may cause some noise disturbances. Message boards will alert motorists about the project and detours. 

For more information, contact the City of Folsom Public Works Department at 916-461-6710 or zbosch@folsom.ca.us.

Folsom’s Environmental and Water Resources Department is continuing its planning effort to guide the management of the city’s water resources over the next 50 years. Currently, the city gets its drinking water almost exclusively from Folsom Reservoir. The Folsom Water Vision project will help the city evaluate water supply alternatives to proactively plan for increased droughts, flood events, rising temperatures, and other challenges.

The city kicked off the Water Vision Project February 20 with an inaugural stakeholder meeting. The project team delivered a presentation highlighting current water resources, projected customer demands, and the community engagement strategy for project planning. More than 50 attendees offered feedback, addressing what they value, their concerns, and desired changes regarding Folsom's water. Details and a recording of the workshop are available on the city’s website.

Understanding the community’s needs and priorities for water resource management is vital to the success of this planning effort. The community is invited to the second in a series of public meetings to learn about the project and share your needs, interests, and goals for creating a resilient water future.

Folsom Water Vision Meeting

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16

Folsom Police Department Training Room

46 Natoma Street

For more information, contact Environmental and Water Resources Director Marcus Yasutake at 916-461-6161 or myasutake@folsom.ca.us. Stay informed at www.folsom.ca.us/watervision.

Please take a short survey to provide input on Folsom's water supply. This input will assist in shaping the city's long-term water planning efforts.

U.S. ARMY VETERAN AND FOLSOM RESIDENT HONORED ON 100th BIRTHDAY 

U.S. Army veteran and Folsom resident Shigeru Ochi was honored February 26 on his 100th birthday. The celebration was hosted by Oakmont of Folsom and attended by federal and state officials, Folsom City Councilmembers, and the Folsom City Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and city staff.

The event, held to commemorate Ochi's milestone, featured the American Legion Post 119 Honor Guard presenting certificates and dog tags in recognition of his military service. Ochi, who was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and graduated from the Military Intelligence Service Language School, served during the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing. Despite facing adversity, including unjust incarceration during World War II, he persevered, serving his country, and excelling academically.

JOIN THE AQUATIC CENTER TEAM

As a Steve Miklos Aquatic Center staff member, you will join the ranks of our valued employees who provide the community with aquatic safety and fun. Since 2001, we've employed more than 3,000 people in our many part-time and seasonal positions.

The group interview is the first step to apply for a 2024 summer season aquatic center job. Interviews will be held in March; learn more and register for the group interview online.

Interested in becoming a lifeguard? Our Ellis Lifeguard Training classes are available in March and April. The class is required to apply for a job as a Steve Miklos Aquatic Center lifeguard. Call 916-461-6640 for more information.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR LOVE MY MOM FAMILY FITNESS EVENT

The 10th annual Love My Mom 5K and Kids’ Dash takes place Sunday, May 5. This popular event that celebrates family and community is presented by Folsom Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Palladio and Kaiser. The start and finish are located by Whole Foods, and the course route is fast and flat, making it an ideal route for runners, walkers, and stroller striders–leashed dogs are welcome, too. The fun Kids’ Dash for ages 10 and under will be held prior to the start of the 5K, with medals awarded to all registered participants.

Participants in the 5K will be electronically timed and special awards will be presented to top finishers in a variety of categories including single and double strollers, top mom, top female, and top male. All registered 5K participants will receive a special 10th anniversary finisher’s medal and other custom swag.

The post-race festivities take place in the Palladio Piazza, with a variety of vendor booths to explore, DJ music, delicious refreshments, and a raffle for high-value prizes. Save on registration: use code “CityNews” for a $5 discount on each 5K registration at raceroster.com.

PANEL DISCUSSION WITH NATURE AUTHORS 

Celebrate the spring equinox with our trio of nature authors at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, in the Library Meeting Room. These local authors each have a different nature-writing specialty: trail guides, nature observation, and backpacking. The authors will talk about their most recent books followed by Q&A. The books are available for purchase and signing following the program.

Mary West authors the Day Hiker column for the Auburn Journal, a collection of which has been compiled into the multi-volume book series "Day Hiker—Gold Country Trail Guides." Joan Griffin penned "Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle the John Muir Trail" (2023). Janice Kelley authored "Mornings on Fair Oaks Bridge" (2018) and "Through the Eyes of John Muir" (2020). Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.

TREES FOR BEES AND OTHER POLLINATORS 

As the spring season approaches, pollinators eagerly anticipate the blossoming of trees, essential for their survival. Bees and other pollinators rank at the top of the list of important insects, moving pollen from flower to flower to ensure pollination and the resulting production of many of our most important fruits and vegetables.

Here are some pollinator-friendly tree options to consider for your landscape in Folsom:

• Native Oak Trees: Oaks, such as Valley Oaks, Blue Oaks, and Interior Live Oaks, provide critical habitat and food for native pollinators.
• Prairifire Crabapple: This tree's pink spring flowers attract local pollinators with abundant nectar.
• Southern Magnolia: With large white flowers, this evergreen offers sweet nectar for various pollinators.

Folsom residents can obtain free shade trees through partnerships with the Sacramento Tree Foundation and SMUD.

Learn more.

NATURAL SCIENCE SEMINAR: GOLDEN STATE SNAKES

Join wildlife conservation biologist Michael G. Starkey to learn why snakes are critically important animals for our world despite their unwanted reputation. Sacramento-based nonprofit organization Save The Snakes was founded in 2017 to bridge the gap between successful snake conservation efforts and human-snake conflict resolutions. Michael uses his knowledge of snake ecology, positive attitude to inspire, and enthusiasm for snake conservation to engage the public with protecting these beautiful animals. 

The seminar will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 5 at the Rotary Clubhouse, 7150 Baldwin Dam Road. Ages 10 through adult are welcome to attend; the registration fee is $5/person. Learn more and register online.

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