SANTA’S SLEIGH DELIVERS HOLIDAY CHEER TO FOLSOM

Folsom Police and Fire departments are teaming up with Santa Claus to visit Folsom neighborhoods December 10 through 16. A fleet of emergency vehicles, along with firefighters, police officers, and city officials will escort Santa through the neighborhoods. Santa’s elves will collect non-perishable canned goods to help stock the Twin Lakes Food Bank for the holidays, as well as unwrapped toys for the holiday toy drive. Find Santa’s schedule and information at folsomsantatracker.com/routes.

PG&E is dedicated to maintaining the safety and reliability of its electric transmission facilities and is taking proactive steps in the City of Folsom by addressing vegetation that requires pruning or removal.

PG&E will begin this essential work the week of December 11. The work is expected to last two to three weeks. The process will include the careful removal or pruning of vegetation and trees from multiple identified sites.

Residents seeking more information about PG&E’s vegetation management in Folsom can contact PG&E representative, Francisco Rodriguez, at 559-220-0430 or Francisco.Rodriguez@pge.com.

This annual family event returns for the 13th year with thousands of bright lights, sparkling ornaments and trees, lighted animal figures, and displays transforming the zoo sanctuary with holiday spirit. Local caroling groups and musicians provide the merry sounds of the season, and the Folsom Valley Railway miniature train provides special nighttime rides.

Wild Nights and Holiday Lights is open from 5 to 8:30 p.m. December 8, 9 and 15-22 (weather permitting; heavy rains will cancel). All proceeds from the event benefit the zoo sanctuary animals.

Event details:

• Tickets are available at www.folsom.ca.us/HolidayLightsTickets
• Admission and train tickets are only available online; no onsite ticket sales
• Event admission is $10/person and train tickets are $5/person; free for ages under 2 years
• Special treats and beverages are available for purchase from Fisher’s Beastro and from visiting food trucks

Early ticket purchase is encouraged since many nights of the event sell out quickly. Follow Facebook.com/FolsomParksandRec for event updates; call 916-461-6601 with questions.

HELP PLAN THE FUTURE OF THE FOLSOM RIVER DISTRICT

The City of Folsom is home to more than six miles of frontage on the American River and Lake Natoma. The city’s General Plan calls for the preparation of a River District Master Plan to activate Folsom’s expansive waterfront for improved access, recreation, and economic development. This important area is located on the American River at Lake Natoma and is bound by Folsom-Auburn Road, Greenback Lane, and Folsom Boulevard.

The city and its consultant team are seeking input on the River District area, and community members are encouraged to weigh in and inform the master planning process on a new interactive engagement platform available on the city’s website. A community mapping activity and questionnaire are the first steps to gathering feedback on community preferences, needs, issues, and opportunities within the River District Master Plan area. We want to hear your thoughts—the online survey and mapping tool is available through Wednesday, January 17. 

Learn more, share your opinion, and sign up for updates at www.folsom.ca.us/RiverDistrict. 

SEIZE THE SEASON TO SAVE: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WATER-SAVING REBATES

The chill of winter in Folsom brings more than just the holiday spirit; it presents the perfect opportunity for residents to embrace water-saving measures with the help of the city’s rebate programs. These initiatives encourage water conservation, offer financial savings, and support a sustainable future.

The city’s water rebates include:

• Cash for Grass
• Irrigation Efficiency Upgrade
• High-Efficiency Toilet
• Rachio Smart Controller
• Flume Smart Home Water Monitor

Visit www.folsom.ca.us/waterconservation for more details so you can start saving water today.

SUSTAINABLE GIFT GUIDE

There are many ways to spread some holiday cheer while reducing waste. The City of Folsom Recycling Team offers tips to help reduce your waste when gift giving this holiday season:

• Pool resources for specific gifts. Pitch in to purchase one gift rather than each getting something that may be less desired. 
• Give experiences. Concert tickets, sports events, cooking classes, spa days, swim or dance lessons, gym memberships, or movie and theater tickets are gifts that provide an opportunity to try something new and gives the receiver a memory that will last a lifetime. 
• Give your time. Give the gift of service or your special talents like babysitting, baking, house cleaning, cooking a meal, doing yardwork, helping with their to-do list, or repairing something.
• Give consumables. Consumables are something to enjoy right away without the receiver needing to make space for it in their lives. It includes things like baked treats, subscription meal service, wine, food, soaps, beer, liquor, gift cards, candles, and digital entertainment.

Whatever you choose to give this season, remember that the lowest waste gift is a gift that the receiver would actually want. Even the most sustainable items, if unwanted, will be unused or discarded.

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