City News: Your Weekly Update
January 8, 2021
Sacramento County COVID-19 Vaccine Information 
Sacramento County Public Health is coordinating COVID-19 vaccine efforts in alignment with recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 California Governor’s Vaccine Task Force, and the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Working Group.

Learn about vaccine safety, distribution planning, and other important information on Sacramento County’s new COVID-19 vaccine webpage.

Due to the limited supply of the vaccine, distribution is guided by the California Department of Public Health in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The vaccine will be provided in phases to those with the highest risk. Sacramento County Public Health is working with local partners, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics for vaccine distribution. View the Vaccinate Sacramento County flyer for a summary of current vaccine distribution phases.  
Free Hand Sanitizer for Folsom Businesses and Residents at Drive-Thru Events 
The City of Folsom is offering free hand sanitizer to Folsom businesses and residents at two upcoming drive-thru events: 

  • Businesses: Tuesday, January 19, from 8 to 10 a.m.  
  • Residents: Friday, January 22, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. 

Both events will be held at the Ernie Sheldon Youth Sports Complex parking lot at 405 Natoma Station Drive, Folsom. The 16.9-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer were provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. 

Businesses unable to pick up hand sanitizer at the January 19 event can contact Lori Easterwood to make alternate pick-up arrangements. Capacity and supplies are limited. Residents and businesses who attended previous drive-thru distribution events may also take part in the January events.
Deadline Extended: Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program 
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced that the deadline for the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program has been extended until January 13, 2021.

The first round of this grant program opened on December 30, 2020, but due to high demand, some businesses had trouble accessing the application. The application period has been extended to January 13, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. to ensure that all interested applicants have time to apply. 

Free Christmas Tree Disposal 
As the holiday season winds down, you may be wondering what to do with your Christmas tree. Consider recycling it. Your Christmas tree can have a second life as mulch that will be used throughout Folsom.

  • The annual Christmas tree recycling drop-off event will be held Saturday, January 9. Trees will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rodeo Park at the end of Stafford Street. All ornaments, tinsel, lights, nails, and stands must be removed before dropping off a tree. Face masks/cloth face coverings are required, and social distancing must be maintained.
 
  • You can also recycle your Christmas tree in your green waste bin. Trees must be cut into pieces no larger than two feet in length and four inches in diameter, and the lid must close completely to receive service, and the tree must fall freely from your green waste bin. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, nails, and stands before placing them in the green waste bin. Flocked trees cannot be accepted.

For more information, contact the City of Folsom Solid Waste Division at [email protected] or 916-461-6730.
Seeking Band Submittals for Summer of Music Concert Series: Due January 15
Folsom Parks & Recreation is moving forward with plans for our 2021 Summer of Music concert series. Concerts typically take place from 7 to 9 p.m. every other Friday in June and July at the Gazebo in Folsom City Lions Park. These popular community events attract audiences of every age range and provide a fun activity for families, friends, and neighbors. A wide range of musical genres are featured, including rock, country, jazz, R&B, and more. As we approach the summer months and public health guidelines determine that in-person gatherings are not allowed, we may again move to a virual format as we did last year. The show must go on!

Band applications for the 2021 Summer of Music are due Friday, January 15. Bands need to supply all their own equipment – we have the facility and electrical source but nothing else. Bands will be selected by an outside committee and notified by mid-February. Include any resumes and website/music sample links in your application; you may also submit your music by CD (mail to Folsom Parks & Recreation, attn: Marilyn Robitaille/Frankie Nelson, 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630). For more information and to submit band applications, email Frankie Nelson at [email protected] or Marilyn Robitaille at [email protected].
Housing Element Update 
The City of Folsom is updating the Housing Element of the General Plan to ensure the city is meeting the housing needs of all members of the community. The plan is designed to provide the city with a coordinated and comprehensive strategy for promoting the production of safe, decent, and affordable housing. The city invites community members to review the draft Housing Element Update and provide city staff with comments by February 9, 2021. To review the draft plan and for more information, visit www.folsomhousingelement.com.

Housing Element Public Review and Hearing Dates:
  • Planning Commission Public Hearing: January 20
  • City Council Public Hearing: February 9
Library Hosts Winter Reading Challenge 
Have you resolved to read more in 2021? The Folsom Public Library is hosting a Winter Reading Challenge through January 31. There’s still time to participate!

Read five books and keep track of your progress at folsom.beanstack.org. The Winter Reading Challenge is for ages 5 and up. Each age group (kids, teens, and adults) has a chance to win a prize pack of books. 
New Folsom Parks & Recreation Programs Available
Folsom Parks & Recreation’s January/February Rec Guide includes new virtual programs for teen and adult guitar lessons, youth and teen computer/tech classes, and adult yoga. In-person programs include the popular after-school R.E.C. Club for kids ages 5-12; tennis for kids, teens, and adults; and the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center’s lap swim program. Browse through the online Rec Guide today and see what’s new!
R.E.C Club Keeps Kids Busy and Engaged 
Folsom Parks & Recreation launched the R.E.C. Club last spring to provide an in-person enrichment opportunity for kids ages 5 to 12. The program provides structured and free choice recreation, enrichment activities, homework and distance learning support, outdoor play, and socialization.

The R.E.C. Club’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 offered in monthlong blocks from 1 to 6 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to accommodate varying school schedules.

The program is held 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. Learn more and register at webtrac.folsom.ca.us.
The Gallery at 48 Natoma Offers Online Store and Retail Shopping Hours
Shop for one-of-a-kind paintings, mosaics, and ceramics on the new Gallery at 48 Natoma online store! If you prefer to shop in-person, the gallery also offers retail shopping hours from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Shopping appointments are also available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; call 916-461-6601 to reserve an appointment time. Please note that in-person gallery tours are not currently available.

Paintings and mosaics created by professional fine artists are available for sale, plus a variety of artisan-made jewelry, glass art, and small gift items. Proceeds from the sales help support local fine artists and artisans, and public art programs for all ages.

Current COVID-19 public health protocols are in place, and masks must be worn at all times while waiting to enter and inside the building. Shoppers will be limited to a maximum of 10 inside the building at a time to ensure adequate space for social distancing. The City of Folsom is following public health guidelines provided by county, state, and federal officials. As these guidelines evolve, program and event details may change as well. 
Contact the City of Folsom's Communications Director
Christine Brainerd · [email protected] · 916-461-6013 (office)

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