City News: Your Weekly Update
Week of December 3, 2018
Folsom City Council Swearing-In Ceremony Set for December 10
Folsom City Councilmember Kerri Howell and incoming City Councilmembers Sarah Aquino and Mike Kozlowski will take the oath of office at a special City Council meeting on Monday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m. A reception will follow the special meeting.

The new Folsom City Council will also select the mayor and vice mayor for the next year at the special meeting.  

What:
Swearing-in ceremony of members of the Folsom City Council, followed by a
brief reception
When:
Monday, December 10
5:30 p.m.
Where:
Folsom City Hall, Council Chambers
50 Natoma Street
Folsom, CA 95630
Who:
The community is encouraged to attend

The final results of the November 6 General Election are available on the County of Sacramento’s website . For more information about the Folsom City Council visit www.folsom.ca.us/citycouncil . 
Santa’s Sleigh Returns to Folsom
Get into the holiday spirit with friends, neighbors, and Folsom police and fire personnel! Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit neighborhoods throughout Folsom December 9–13. Santa’s elves will collect non-perishable canned goods to help stock the Twin Lakes Food Bank for the holidays. Follow Santa’s route at www.facebook.com/FolsomPOA .
Folsom Public Library Hosts Spelling Bee Workshop
The Folsom Public Library hosts a spelling bee workshop from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 8 for students in grades 3 through 8. Through games and activities, attendees will learn about the format of spelling bees, basic word patterns, and experience a mock spelling bee. The workshop will be presented by Snehaa Ganesh Kumar, a high school student with nine years of experience competing in spelling bees. Snehaa tied for fourth place in the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee and was the runner-up in 2016. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.
Traffic Alert Update: East Natoma Street Overnight Closures
PG&E crews are working on East Natoma Street between Fargo Way and Prison Road to relocate underground gas lines in preparation for the Oak Parkway Trail Undercrossing. The undercrossing is a new addition to Folsom’s recreational trail system, and will provide a seamless and safe route for cyclists and pedestrians to transition between the Oak Parkway and Johnny Cash trails. The undercrossing is scheduled to open for public use in spring 2019.

Nighttime closures of East Natoma Street between Fargo Way and Prison Road are currently in effect from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. This week, PG&E moves into an accelerated construction schedule, with work taking place in the overnight hours Sunday through Friday. The closures will affect both eastbound and westbound traffic on East Natoma Street. Marked detours will be in place to route motorists around the overnight road closure.

Help Keep Gutters and Storm Drains Free of Fallen Leaves
The City of Folsom Public Works Department has been busy clearing gutters and storm drain inlets of fallen leaves. When leaves accumulate on the street, it is challenging for street sweepers to pick up the leaves, which can clog storm drain inlets resulting in localized flooding. Here’s how residents can help:

  • Avoid sweeping or blowing leaves into ditches or streets.
  • Clear leaves from gutters and storm drains and place them in your green waste container, if possible.
  • Keep sidewalks clear of leaves and other debris.

If there is a storm drain inlet that is difficult to clear, or you would like to report a storm drain issue, call the Public Works Street Department at 916-461-6722.
Holiday Lights at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary 
A magical winter wonderland awaits guests at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary’s ninth annual Wild Nights and Holiday Lights event. Thousands of bright and colorful lights, sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures, and seasonal displays transform the Zoo Sanctuary with holiday spirit. The very talented technical theater students in the Folsom High School drama department created a Sierra snowscape that’s on display at the canid deck.

Holiday Toy Drive for Folsom Families in Need 
Help make the holidays special for Folsom families in need by participating in the annual holiday toy drive. The Citizens Assisting Public Safety (CAPS) volunteers, in partnership with the Folsom Police and Fire Departments and the Folsom Police Foundation are collecting items for the annual toy drive. Toys and gifts collected are delivered to Folsom families in need by police and fire personnel days before the holidays. Here are two ways to help:

  1. Make a wish come true. Select an ornament from the trees in the lobby of either the Folsom Police Department or Folsom Fire Department Station #35 to fill the specific wish of a child.
  2. Bring a gift of your choosing for a child, teen, or adult. New, unopened and unwrapped toys, as well as new clothing or gift cards may be dropped off at the Folsom Police Department or Folsom Fire Department Station #35 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gifts will be collected through December 7. The Folsom Police Department is located at 46 Natoma Street and Folsom Fire Department Station #35 is located at 535 Glenn Drive. For more information contact Jessica Hess at 916-461-6516 or jhess@folsom.ca.us .
Winter Holiday Safety Tips from the Folsom Fire Department
Here are a few simple holiday fire safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season.

Holiday Decorating
  • Keep flammable items, including curtains and holiday decorations, at least 3 feet away from lit candles. Consider using battery operated candles.
  • Water your Christmas trees every day since dry needles and wood catch fire more easily.
  • Unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.
  • Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect, and consider a power strip instead.
  • Remember, some lights are intended for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
  • Use clips—not nails—to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
  • Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday Entertaining
  • Young children are at high risk of being burned by hot food and liquids. Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of 3 feet around the stove.
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or cooking food.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, dish towels, wooden utensils, and food pack­aging—away from your stovetop.
  • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
  • Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

The Folsom Fire Department wishes you a happy and safe holiday season. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/fire .
Senior Dance Friday  
The Folsom Senior Center hosts a dance for ages 55+ the first Friday of every month. Join the fun from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, December7; admission is $3/person and includes a 30-minute dance lesson to get things moving. The Folsom Senior Center is located at 48 Natoma Street; call 916-461-6601 for more information. 
Upcoming City Meetings
Parks and Recreation Commission
December 4 at 6:30 p.m.

Historic District Commission – CANCELED
December 5 at 5 p.m.

Planning Commission
December 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Contact the City of Folsom's Communication Manager
Christine Brainerd · cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us · 916-461-6013 (office)

City of Folsom | 50 Natoma Street | www.folsom.ca.us