SPRING BREAK CAMPS FOR KIDS AND TEENS

Limited spaces are still available in a variety of spring break camps that take place the week of March 25, including Mad Science, robotics, tennis, basketball, baseball, and multi-sport. The camps are conducted by trained and caring staff and provide a supervised, positive, and inclusive environment. Early registration is encouraged as many of the camps fill quickly. Call 916-461-6601 with questions.

The Twin Lakes Food Bank is calling for community support as it faces a 30% surge in demand for assistance coupled with a decline in food donations over the past year. The food bank is holding a springtime emergency food drive, as its shelves are nearly empty.

The food bank aims to collect 30,000 pounds of non-perishable items to sustain those facing food insecurity in the coming month. Community members are urged to contribute by either purchasing non-perishable food items or gathering donations from neighbors, family, and friends. The most-needed items include:

• Stew
• Chili
• Canned raviolis
• Soup
• Canned tuna and chicken
• Tomato products

Donations can be dropped off at 327 Montrose Drive from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Look for the blue donation barrels upon arrival, where volunteers will be ready to receive contributions.

For more information and to get involved, visit twinlakesfoodbank.org.

Folsom Pedal Quest brings friends and families together Saturday, May 4 to explore the city on two wheels and kick off Folsom Bike Month! Riders will choose their “Quest” from self-guided routes that showcase the connectivity of Folsom’s paved bike paths. Routes start and finish in Historic Folsom, with distances ranging from 1.5 to 30 miles for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

There’s even something for the littlest ones with the Balance Bike Bash in Historic Folsom! Kids on balance bikes get the opportunity to race around an obstacle course on the closed portion of Sutter Street.

Folsom Bike Month is part of the larger Sacramento Region May is Bike Month movement to get more people on bikes. The event is held in partnership with the City of Folsom, Visit Folsom, the Folsom Historic District Association, and California State Parks.

Learn more and register.

CITY SEEKS VENDORS FOR APRIL 20 EARTH DAY CELEBRATION 

Join the City of Folsom for its Earth Day celebration Saturday, April 20! This free, family-friendly event brings the community together through volunteerism, fun activities, and inspiring exhibits that raise environmental awareness. The event will begin with volunteer opportunities, followed by an informational and fun festival near City Hall.

The city is seeking vendors and exhibitors that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. Businesses and organizations interested in a free 10’ x 10’ space at the event must apply by Wednesday, March 20. 

Visit the city’s website for more information.

Event Details

Saturday, April 20

• Earth Day Cleanup 9 a.m. to noon
• Earth Day Festival 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 48 Natoma Street

SAVE WATER AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR WATER USAGE: FLUME SMART HOME WATER MONITOR

Attention Folsom water customers: You can now take control of your water usage with the Flume Smart Home Water Monitor. This handy device works with any water meter, and installation takes just minutes. With the Flume app, you can monitor your water use remotely and receive alerts for leaks in real-time.

The Flume Smart Home Water Monitor is available for just $75, plus tax and shipping. After installation and activation, customers will also receive a $25 refund from Flume, bringing the cost down to just $40. The cost of the Flume device cannot be included in other city rebate programs.

Don't miss this chance to save money and manage your water use effectively. Get your Flume Smart Home Water Monitor today. Visit www.folsom.ca.us/waterconservation to get started.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE

Water-wise landscapes are good for you and good for Folsom. Replacing your traditional lawn with California-friendly trees and plants will help you conserve water, save money, and benefit the environment. When maintained correctly, water-efficient gardens are beautiful. They’re also easier and less time-consuming to maintain than lawns. These stunning, colorful landscapes also attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial species to our community.

• Low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Weed for a few minutes every two weeks to keep your landscape looking fresh.
• Water-efficient landscapes are beautiful and natural. Avoid shearing plants into hard geometric shapes. Hard shearing prevents blooming, creates panic growth, and increases water use.
• Use organic mulch. It will slowly decompose and improve the organic content of your soil.
• Keep the mulch at least three inches deep to inhibit weed growth and eliminate the need for weed cloth.
• The City of Folsom provides free mulch and compost at two self-serve locations: Behind City Hall at 50 Natoma Street and at Fire Station 36 (next to the sandbag location on Oak Avenue Parkway). Please bring your own shovels and containers.

Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/WaterConservation.

FOLSOM WATER VISION

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.

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.

KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: SPRING FLING

A jam-packed night full of fun for the kids and a night off for you to do with as you please–sounds like a no brainer! Our rec leaders will oversee an evening that’s packed full of games, crafts, a pizza dinner, snacks, and spring-themed delights. The fun for ages 6 to 12 takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 29 at the Andy Morin Sports Complex, 66 Clarksville Road. The fee is $35 for Folsom residents. Register today or call 916-461-6601 for more information.

LOOKING FOR A SUMMER JOB?

Folsom Parks & Recreation is currently hiring for a variety of part-time seasonal positions, including aquatic center lifeguards, swim instructors, front counter and snack bar staff; summer camp counselors; skate/bike park monitors; and other opportunities. Find job descriptions and applications online or call 916-461-6601 for more information.

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