SACRAMENTO REGION ACHIEVES OZONE AIR QUALITY MILESTONE

Last week, the City of Folsom joined the Sac Metro Air District, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and regional leaders to celebrate a major milestone in meeting the 2008 federal ozone standard by the 2024 deadline. The achievement marks years of regional collaboration to improve air quality and protect public health.

The EPA’s determination confirms that air quality data from 2022 through 2024 show reduced ground-level ozone across the Sacramento region. This success not only benefits the health of residents, but also helps local businesses avoid added regulations and keeps the region eligible for federal transportation and infrastructure funding.

The event featured remarks from EPA Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, and Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino, who chairs the Sac Metro Air District Board. The milestone underscores the power of partnership and shared vision in creating a cleaner, healthier future for Sacramento-area communities.

LANE CONFIGURATION CHANGE COMING TO OAK AVENUE AT EAST BIDWELL STREET

The City of Folsom will modify southbound Oak Avenue at East Bidwell Street to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The project will convert one through lane into an additional left turn lane, similar to the improvement completed at Iron Point Road and East Bidwell Street.

Work is scheduled during the week of September 8 and will take place over one to two nights. All work will occur at night to minimize disruptions, and lane closures will be limited to the southbound direction.

Message boards will be placed in the area to inform drivers about the upcoming change. While traffic impacts are expected to be minimal, motorists are encouraged to stay alert to the new lane configuration once work is complete.

HELP NAME FOLSOM’S NEWEST PARK

The Folsom Parks & Recreation Department is inviting the community to help name Neighborhood Park #1, a brand-new park coming to 3294 Empire Ranch Road in the Folsom Plan Area.

This is an opportunity for residents to make a lasting impact and help shape the future of Folsom’s parks. The chosen name should reflect the spirit of the community—whether it honors the natural surroundings, highlights unique features, celebrates local wildlife, or showcases Folsom’s rich history and culture.

The deadline for submissions is September 12. Ideas may be submitted through the online form. For more information, email parkplanning@folsom.ca.us.

CITY OF FOLSOM MARKS 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH SISTER CITY PIEVE DEL GRAPPA

The City of Folsom is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Sister City relationship with Pieve del Grappa, Italy. The partnership began in 2000 with Crespano del Grappa—now part of Pieve del Grappa—and honors Folsom’s Italian roots and the legacy of Giuseppe “Joe” Murer, a prominent community figure. An early leader in Folsom, he built the Murer House, which is now a cultural landmark celebrating the city’s Italian heritage.

To commemorate this milestone, the Folsom community will host events and activities throughout September to celebrate the lasting friendship between the two cities.

Highlights include:

• Ciao Folsom! in Historic Folsom: Italian-themed market, live entertainment, local Italian food and wine, and cultural activities – Saturday, September 13
• Italian-inspired community paddleboard, viewable from the Truss Bridge – Saturday, September 13
• Sister City Celebration at Palladio – Friday, September 19
• Folsom Public Library programs – throughout September
• Pieve del Grappa tasting menu at Back Bistro – Friday, September 19
• Murer House cooking classes – Learn to make classic Italian dishes, including pasta, gnocchi, tiramisu, and more.

Learn more, and find the full schedule of events at www.folsom.ca.us/SisterCity.

DONATE BLOOD AND HELP SAVE LIVES AT COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

Giving blood is a simple way to make a big difference! Join the City of Folsom and Vitalant for a community blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, at Folsom Fire Station 35, 535 Glenn Drive. The event is part of Folsom’s annual Community Service Day.

The entire donation process takes about one hour. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and present a photo ID. All donors will receive a special Vitalant donor T-shirt. Before donating, eat a hearty meal, and drink plenty of water.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated as space allows.

Make an appointment online today or call 877-258-4825. For eligibility questions, contact Vitalant at 877-258-4825. For more information about the Community Service Day blood drive, contact Stephanie Kresse at skresse@vitalant.org.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP FOLSOM SENIORS ON COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

Lend a hand, lift a spirit, and make a difference at Folsom’s 2025 Community Service Day. Volunteers are needed for the “Neighbors Helping Seniors” project – an effort to assist local seniors with outdoor tasks they may no longer be able to manage on their own.

Join fellow community members on Saturday, September 20, and help with landscaping, weeding, and light outdoor repairs. Projects are assigned based on need, and locations will be provided at registration.

This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, school groups, and service organizations to give back through simple but meaningful acts of kindness.

Sign up to volunteer at www.folsom.ca.us/communityserviceday.

LOCAL AUTHOR RANGER ROSE VISITS FOLSOM PUBLIC LIBRARY

Get ready for an afternoon of stories and suspense at the Folsom Public Library. On Saturday, September 6 at 2 p.m., local author Rosanne S. McHenry—known as Ranger Rose—will visit the library to share tales from her two nonfiction books, “Trip Tales” and “Tales from a Rogue Ranger.” Her books are filled with adventures inspired by her family’s camping trips and her career as a park ranger.

The free event will take place in the Library Meeting Room. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase books and have them signed after the program.

For more information, visit www.folsom.ca.us/library or call 916-461-6130.

MIXED MEDIA WORKS BY TAMARA MURPHY AT THE GALLERY AT 48 NATOMA

The Gallery at 48 Natoma invites the community to explore "Tamara Murphy: Acts of Reciprocity," a dynamic exhibition featuring sculpture and mixed media works. The exhibit is on view from August 29 through October 23.

A public opening reception will be held on Friday, August 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy light refreshments and meet the artist.

Murphy, a Northern California-based artist and educator, blends ceramics, glass, and fabric to create playful, genre-defying pieces. Her work—guided by intuition and curiosity—encourages viewers to engage in a conversation with form, color, and material.

The Gallery at 48 Natoma is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located at 48 Natoma Street in Folsom. For more information, visit www.folsom.ca.us/GalleryAt48Natoma.

WRAP UP SUMMER AND DIVE INTO FALL AT THE STEVE MIKLOS AQUATIC CENTER

Celebrate the end of summer with family fun and fitness at the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center. The final weekend of recreation swim takes place Labor Day weekend, with activities from 1 to 5 p.m. Cool off with a ride down the giant water slide or test your skills on the inflatable obstacle course. Lifeguards will be on duty to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Looking to stay active after summer ends? The aquatic center offers dedicated lap swim hours from September 2 through December 19. Lap swim is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Drop-in fees are $9 for ages 16 to 54 and $6 for ages 55 and older. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/aquaticcenter.

CREATE AND CODE WITH INTELLIBRICKS GAME DESIGN CLASS

Young tech enthusiasts can explore the exciting world of game design in this hands-on IntelliBricks Coding class. Students will use SCRATCH—a beginner-friendly programming language—to build a new game each week while developing creativity and coding skills.

The class meets from 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays, September 8 through October 13, at the Folsom Community Center in the RG Smith Room. Registration is $208, with a discounted rate of $198 for Folsom residents.

Register online through WebTrac, in person at the Senior and Art Center (48 Natoma Street), or by calling 916-461-6601.

BABYSITTING FOR BEGINNERS: LEARN THE BASICS IN ONE DAY

Youth ages 11 and older can build confidence and learn valuable skills in the Babysitting for Beginners course. This one-day class includes hands-on instruction in child development, behavior strategies, daily routines, safety, basic first aid, and fun ways to keep children engaged.

The class takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 6 at the Folsom Community Center. Registration is $109, with a discounted rate of $99 for Folsom residents.

Register online through WebTrac, in person at the Senior and Art Center (48 Natoma Street), or by calling 916-461-6601.

CITY OF FOLSOM LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

City administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. For urgent city issues, call 916-461-6400. Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.

• Garbage service will be provided as usual; please place your cans curbside by 6 a.m. on your regular day of service.
• SacRT light rail and SacRT GO Paratransit will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule.
• Folsom Stage Line bus service operated by SacRT will be unavailable.
• The Folsom Public Library is closed.
• The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; last admission is at 2:30 p.m.
• The Andy Morin Sports Complex is closed.
• The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center is open for recreation swim from 1 to 5 p.m.
• The FIDO Field Dog Park will be open from 7 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
• The Folsom Skate and Bike Parks are open from dawn to 9 p.m.
• The Folsom Senior Center, Folsom Art Center, and Gallery at 48 Natoma are closed.

City of Folsom Communications Director

Christine Brainerd | cbrainerd@folsom.ca.us | 916-461-6013 (office)

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