CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT REVITALIZATION PLANS TO BEGIN

The City of Folsom is kicking off a planning effort for the Central Business District, an important retail and commercial corridor located on East Bidwell Street from Riley Street to Blue Ravine Road.

The city will identify a vision and prepare a revitalization plan to help guide future development and infrastructure improvements, which may include:

• Potential commercial, office, and housing opportunities
• Additional economic development
• Mobility and safety improvements

At the direction of the Folsom City Council, an advisory committee comprised of business owners, residents, and other stakeholders will be formed. Stay informed about the project at www.folsom.ca.us/CentralBusinessDistrict. For more information, contact City of Folsom planning consultant Kathy Pease at 916-812-0749 or kpease@masfirm.com.

CITY OF FOLSOM HOSTS FREE LANDSCAPE FESTIVAL SATURDAY

Learn how to care for your landscape and trees while reducing your water use at the Folsom Landscape Fest Saturday, March 25.

The free, family-friendly event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mangini Ranch Elementary School, 4640 Sparrow Drive, Folsom. The event will feature exhibits and demonstrations, free resources and giveaways, and family-friendly activities.

• Learn from experts about efficient irrigation practices, landscape design, tree care, water wise plants, city water rebates, green waste recycling, and more. 
• City water conservation specialists will provide demonstrations and information about water-efficient technologies such as weather-based irrigation controllers, moisture sensors, and drip irrigation systems. 
• The City of Folsom Waste & Recycling team will provide free kitchen pails for collecting food scraps and have an interactive sorting activity to help residents learn how to properly sort their waste.
• The Sacramento Tree Foundation will offer tree care tips, master gardeners will be on location to answer questions, and Green Acres Nursery & Supply will host an informational booth. 
• Meet with city officials and public safety personnel. 
• Free compost and wood chips will be available nearby at the future Prospector Park site at 4578 Sparrow Drive. Piles are self-serve and require residents to bring their own shovels and containers to load and transport compost and mulch.

Families are encouraged to bring their children to the festival; games and activities will be available. The Mr. Leaky mascot will make special appearances, and the Folsom Public Library will host an activity booth for children and offer story times at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants may take part in raffles throughout the event. Attendees may purchase food, beverages, or treats from food trucks.

SPRING BREAK CAMPS FOR KIDS AND TEENS

Limited spaces are still available in a variety of spring break camps that take place April 3 through 7, including Mad Science, tennis, basketball, baseball, and a multi-sport camp. 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.

FUTURE RIVER DISTRICT ENVISIONED

The City of Folsom is home to more than six miles of frontage on the American River and Lake Natoma—some of the city’s greatest natural resources. Folsom grew “around” the river and, in many cases, pushed the river into backyard areas of the community. Our beloved Historic District looks inward instead of looking out to the natural beauty of the river and lake. Our waterfront areas are underutilized, and access is limited and poorly identified. But this can change.

The Folsom 2035 General Plan process identified this shortcoming and recommended the city complete a River District Master Plan. The plan would serve as a more detailed vision of future opportunities and improvements that can be implemented over time. With more than 75% of the land within the River District comprised of federal and state properties, it will be imperative to work closely with California State Parks and the Bureau of Reclamation and within the framework of their own policy and planning documents. The remaining riverfront areas owned by the city and private property owners present unique and exciting opportunities.

Last year, the Folsom City Council funded the River District Master Plan process with a federal grant through the American Recovery Plan Act. At its January 24 meeting, the Council directed the formation of a River District Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. Recruitment is underway for a planning consultant experienced with the complexities of community planning, urban design, environmental and cultural resources, federal and state coordination, recreation, and community engagement.

Stay informed about the River District planning process at www.folsom.ca.us/RiverDistrict.

REBATE PROGRAM FOR WEATHER-BASED “SMART” SPRINKLER CONTROLLERS

City of Folsom water service customers can now save up to $190 on a Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller through a rebate program offered by the City of Folsom in partnership with the Regional Water Authority and local water providers.

The Rachio 3 Controller acts like a thermostat for your sprinklers, using local weather conditions to adjust how long your sprinklers run. You can also manage the controller from your smart phone with the Rachio app.

It’s estimated that replacing a standard controller with a WaterSense-labeled smart controller like the Rachio 3 can save an average home about 13,500 gallons of water per year. The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is being offered at a reduced price of $59.99. Rebates are available for a limited time on a first-come, first-served basis through March 28.

Sign up at rwa.rachio.com.

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