MAY IS BIKE MONTH 

Bike Month is celebrated throughout the nation every May to highlight the benefits of bicycling and to encourage more people to give it a try. Throughout May, riders across the region are joining forces to swap cars for handlebars, encourage new riders, engage in friendly competitions, and win prizes. Get in on the Bike Month action: visit lovetoride.net/sacregion to register and learn about special cycling events taking place in Folsom and around the greater Sacramento region. 

JOIN THE PEDAL QUEST

To kick off May is Bike Month, bike enthusiasts of all ages can take part in the free Pedal Quest May 4. Riders can choose a “quest” from route options ranging from 1.5 to 30 miles that showcase the city’s amazing trail system. Little ones ages 5 years and under can register for the Balance Bike Bash obstacle course in Historic Folsom. Find more details and register at clippedinforlife.org.

EXPLORE FOLSOM TRAILS

May is a great time to explore and enjoy some of Folsom’s 50+ miles of paved recreational trails. Safety and courtesy make for a positive experience for all trail users. Cyclists should keep to the right side of the trail, maintain a safe speed, and pass on the left side of oncoming pedestrians. Visit www.folsom.ca.us/trails to find trail maps and additional tips for trail safety and etiquette.

The City of Folsom is facing a financial shortfall that could impact public services and the quality of life in Folsom. The Folsom City Council will soon weigh options to address a structural deficit as the city prepares its FY 2024-25 annual budget.

Sales tax revenue—one of the city's primary revenue sources—no longer covers the cost of providing services or maintaining the city's aging infrastructure. The sales tax growth rate has slowed in part due to changing consumer behavior and the impacts of online shopping. Known as the "Amazon effect," the city only gets a fraction of a cent from a sale online, compared to a full cent at a retail store in Folsom. 

The city's sales tax growth rate averaged approximately 6% annually from Fiscal Year 2010 through Fiscal Year 2018. However, since then, it has decelerated significantly to a more modest growth rate of around 2.3% per year.

The slowed sales tax growth and rising costs create a structural deficit, making it fiscally unsustainable to maintain current services beyond Fiscal Year 2024-25 without additional revenue. A multimillion-dollar annual shortfall is projected by 2026.

We address questions about sales tax and other community questions on our Fiscal Focus: Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING EARTH DAY WITH US, FOLSOM

A big thank you to the 250+ volunteers who planted trees, cleaned up creeks and trails, and beautified the zoo sanctuary at the City of Folsom Earth Day, April 20!

GALLERY AT 48 NATOMA HOSTS “THINGS WITH WINGS” EXHIBIT RECEPTION APRIL 26

The Gallery at 48 Natoma hosts a free public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26 for the new “Things with Wings” exhibit. The exhibit features ceramics and prints by Sandy Fong Whetstone and quilted fiber art by Linda Waddle. The show continues in the gallery through June 20.

The reception includes live music by harpist Judy Phillips and light refreshments. The adjacent Community Gallery features the El Dorado Hills Arts Association Studio Tour Preview Show. The galleries are located in the 48 Natoma Senior and Art Center; viewing hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings. 

WORK ON THE FOLSOM BOULEVARD PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT CONTINUES

The third phase of a four-month pipeline construction project is set to begin as early as May 5. Northbound lanes on Folsom Boulevard through the intersection of Blue Ravine Road will have nighttime closures from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Detours will be in place. This phase of the project is expected to be completed as early as May 25.

The Folsom Boulevard Pipeline Construction Project is being implemented in phases, and traffic restrictions will change throughout each stage of the construction project. The project will cover a one-mile stretch of Folsom Boulevard from Blue Ravine Road to Bidwell Street.

Stay informed about the project schedule and traffic impacts at www.folsom.ca.us/FolsomBlvdUpdates. For more information about the project, call 916-461-6177 or email ewradmin@folsom.ca.us.

LOVE MY MOM FAMILY FITNESS EVENT

The 10th annual Love My Mom 5K and Kids’ Dash takes place Sunday, May 5. This popular event that celebrates family and community is presented by Folsom Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Palladio and Kaiser. The start and finish are located by Whole Foods, and the course route is fast and flat, making it an ideal route for runners, walkers, and stroller striders–leashed dogs are welcome, too. The fun Kids’ Dash for ages 10 and under will be held prior to the start of the 5K, with medals awarded to all registered participants.

Participants in the 5K will be electronically timed and special awards will be presented to top finishers in a variety of categories including single and double strollers, top mom, top female, and top male. All registered 5K participants will receive a special 10th anniversary finisher’s medal and other custom swag.

The post-race festivities take place in the Palladio Piazza, with a variety of vendor booths to explore, DJ music, delicious refreshments, and a raffle for high-value prizes. Save on registration: use code “CityNews” for a $5 discount on each 5K registration at raceroster.com.

Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteers are needed to help direct runners, distribute medals and provide finish line cheer, and many other tasks. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult; learn more about the volunteer positions and register online.

CITY WORKS DAY MAY 15

Hop into the cab of a Folsom garbage truck, climb aboard a fire engine, make it rain on a stormwater table, and participate in other fun interactive activities at City Works Day Wednesday, May 15. This popular and free annual event is designed to encourage residents to discover and learn about the City of Folsom’s wide variety of public services.

City Works Day will showcase work vehicles, such as tractors, trucks, cars, and emergency response vehicles, for viewing, exploring, and even honking. City staff will be stationed at each attraction to share knowledge about City of Folsom programs and professions.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy seeing a Folsom Fire Department truck, talking to Curby the recycling robot, meeting a Folsom Police Department horse and a K9, and so much more.

Folsom City Works Day is held in advance of National Public Works Week, which recognizes public works endeavors in cities across the nation. For more information about City Works Day, visit www.folsom.ca.us/CityWorksDay or contact Jen Thiot at jthiot@folsom.ca.us or 916-461-6702.

City Works Day

• Wednesday, May 15, 9:30 a.m. to noon
• City Lions Park (near the Folsom Public Library)
• Free admission

FREE COMPOST FOR FOLSOM RESIDENTS

Spring is here, and the Waste & Recycling Division is excited to support Folsom residents with free, self-serve compost for use in home gardens and landscapes.

Compost is available on a first-come, first-served basis. City staff monitor and refill the piles regularly. More compost is ordered as local supplies are depleted; a process that can take up to a few days. We appreciate your patience during this busy season!

Shovel your own compost from the following locations:

• Behind Folsom City Hall 50 Natoma Street
• Hinkle Creek Nature Trail near Fire Station 36

Compost is a soil amendment, best mixed with existing soil to improve water retention, texture, and overall soil quality. It can also be applied on top of soil to insulate the soil underneath, reduce evaporation, and regulate temperature. Compost can shock plants if not mixed well or applied properly.

This valuable organic product comes to us as part of SB 1383, the legislation that requires all organic material to be diverted from landfills. Bringing compost back to the community closes the loop on organics recycling, which begins with resident participation in the Green Bin program. More information about compost can be found at www.folsom.ca.us/organics.

BUILD SWIM SKILLS WITH LEGO SWIM LESSONS

The Sea Squad Swim School is offering LEGO swim lessons—a unique lesson format designed to introduce kids ages 5 to 12 to swimming. These lessons provide an alternative for children who may not be ready to participate in a traditional swim lesson format. LEGO swim lessons incorporate the basic building blocks of swimming: front float, back float, blowing bubbles, and coordinated arm/leg action, with creative play, building, and sharing with LEGOs. The interactive play lesson format provides tactile and visual support to help students gain water confidence and build social and physical skills. Lessons begin in June and are held at the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center. Learn more and register online or call 916-461-6640 with questions.

Join the Folsom Public Library for a Plant Swap event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27! Attendees are encouraged to bring one or more pest-free plants, plant cuttings, or seeds for swapping with others. As a bonus, each participant will receive a raffle ticket and a chance to win a gift card! Plant swaps provide an opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to exchange plants and expand their collections while building community. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/library.

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