Folsom Ranch Living - May/June 2024

FROM THE FOLSOM RANCH LIVING TEAM

Greetings, Folsom Ranch Community!

As the sun-kissed days of spring transition into the warmth of summer, we’re thrilled to present the latest edition of Folsom Ranch Living.This issue is all about celebrating our vibrant community—the heartbeat that defines us. From community updates to building generational wealth, featured clubs, and the festive Philippine Independence Day and Holi events, our pages come alive with stories that connect us.

Your Voice Matters: Share your dreams, your stories, and your hopes with us at folsomranchliving@gmail.com. Let’s continue building a legacy that shines brighter with each passing season.

With gratitude,

The Folsom Ranch Living Team

MAY/JUNE 2024

Managing Editor

Ahrash Zamanian

Managing Editor Scott Davenport

Social Media

Luis Cantos

Art & Layout

Donnell de Leon

Cover Photo

Mona Cantos

Contributing Writers

Alayna Wagner, Steven Sierra, Heather Comella, Luis Cantos, Scott Davenport

PRINTED BY

The Royal Prints www.theroyalprints.co

For information and/or advertising you can reach us at folsomranchliving@gmail.com

The information provided by Folsom Ranch Living ("we," "us,"or "our") in this magazine and our digital version is for general information purposes only. All information in this magazine and our digital version is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy adequacy, validly, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information in this magazine or on the digital version. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL WE HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION IN THIS MAGAZINE OR THE DIGITAL VERSION. YOUR USE OF THIS MAGAZINE AND DIGITAL VERSION ARE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND YOU MAY USE THE INFORMATION SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

SATURDAYS - RAIN OR SHINE

HISTORIC FOLSOM FARMER'S MARKET

Railroad Turntable & Public Plaza | 8AM

Certified farmers' locally grown seasonal fruites and vegetables, freshly baked goods, live music and more! HistoricFolsom.org

WEDNESDAYS

PALLADIO FOLSOM FARMER'S MARKET

Palladio - Whole Foods Parking Lot | 9AM -1PM

Living Smart Farmers Market is now at Palladio showcasing fresh fruit and vegetables from local farms. Come check out all the farms and vendors from your local area.

2ND FRIDAYS

FOLSOM RANCH NIGHT OUT

Sparrow Drive in front of future Prospector Park | 5PM - 8PM

Along with Food In the Hood 916, enjoy family fun and food trucks. Featuring Kely's Crepes & Burgers, Gyro Stop, Cousins Maine Lobster, The Mini Donut Shack, and San Tacos

We Understand Commitment

At Edward Jones, we deliver candid guidance and personalized investment strategies to help you plan for and realize the possibilities of your future – for you, your family and generations to follow.

Michael A Brandt Financial Advisor

EGG HUNT SNAPS

ICONNECT WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS

n the age of digital connection, fostering a sense of community has never been more vital. Our hyper-local magazine is excited to introduce a new way for you to connect with your neighbors and share your interests, hobbies, and local news – all through our exclusive Linktree QR code.

GET STARTED IN 3 EASY STEPS!

1. SCAN THE QR CODE

2. EXPLORE LOCAL WHATSAPP GROUPS

3. JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

HAVE A GROUP IDEA? WE WANT TO HEAR IT!

We believe in the power of community-driven initiatives. If you don't find a Whatsapp group that aligns with your interests, fear not! We're open to creating new groups based on your suggestions. Whether it's a dog lovers' club, a recipe exchange, or a jogging meetup, your ideas can become a reality.

To propose a new group, simply shoot an email to FolsomRanchLiving@gmail.com and suggest your group idea and let us know the purpose and interests it will cater to. We'll work to create the group, and you can watch your community grow!

Let's build a stronger, more connected neighborhood together. Scan the QR code, join a Whatsapp group, and start making meaningful connections right at your fingertips. Your community is just a click away!

AS FRESH AS SPRING TIME

Spring gardening is a rejuvenating experience after the hibernation of winter. It’s a time when gardeners can reconnect with the earth and witness the renewal of life firsthand. As the soil warms up and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect opportunity to start sowing seeds, pruning plants, and preparing beds for the upcoming growing season.

In Folsom, the USDA Hardiness Zone is 9b. Zone 9b generally stays warm and has hot summers. With strategic planting, you can enjoy multiple growing seasons in a year.

This growing zone is perfect for cultivating warm-climate fruits like oranges, lemons, olives, figs, pears, peaches, and even tropical trees like avocado and papaya. Vegetable gardeners in zone 9 are equally blessed with an abundance of opportunities to grow warm-weather crops like tomatoes, peppers, melons, and cucumbers almost year-round. Warm-weather vegetable crops that thrive in zone 9b include beans, sweet potatoes, squashes, eggplants, peppers, and okras.

Warmthandsunlightareabundantinzone 9b, which means it teems with happy blooms.Showyflowers,suchasamaryllis, iris, and hibiscus, can thrive in full sun here. Sunny zone 9b can also be the ideal home for one of the loveliest flowers of all: Roses. If you can give these beautiful plants bright light and well-draining soil year-round, you’ll be rewarded with blooms all year.

If you have a shadier space to work with, consider begonias and peonies to spruce up your zone 9b landscape. Perennial wildflowers, such as columbine, cone

flowers, California poppies, black-eyed Susans, and butterfly peas, can also be low-maintenance additions to your zone 9b garden.

Before you start with seeds or saplings, here are some common to-dos for your garden:

� Survey your garden, check for damage from the cold, see if your pathways and fences need fixing. You can also create new planting beds and paths to give a fresh design to your space.

� Pruneoldplantsandtrees.Cutdeadand damaged leaves and branches.

� Prepare the flowerbeds. Start by removing the winter mulch and clearing away dead leaves, weeds, and debris. SMUD offers free wood chips to residential customers to spread as mulch around trees and shrubs, making soil more fertile.

� Amend your soil with Organic Matter:

**Compost**: Add well-rotted compost to your soil. Compost improves soil structure, provides nutrients, and enhances water retention. (Self-Serve Free Compost Available to Sacramento County Residents)

**Aged Manure**: Incorporate aged manure (such as cow or chicken manure) into the soil. Manure adds organic matter and nutrients.

Spring is a bustling season for gardeners, and the efforts you invest now will yield delightful results later when your yard is full of color, scent and delicious fruits and vegetables. •

BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH PLANNING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

HEATHER COMELLA

As a parent, you’re likely familiar with the whirlwind of responsibilities that come with raising a family. From childcare expenses to college tuition, the financial journey can feel daunting. However, the earlier you start planning, the better off your family will be in the long run.

1 Example assumes an initial investment of $10,000, monthly investments of $500 for 18 years, annual investment return of 6%, compounded monthly, and a federal tax rate of 32%.Investmentlossescouldaffecttherelative tax-deferred investing advantage.If you withdraw money from a 529 without incurring qualified education expenses, you'll face taxes and penalties on the investment earnings. This hypothetical illustration is not indicative of any specific investment and does not reflect the impact of fees or expenses. This example is shown for illustrative purposes only. Past performanceisnoguaranteeoffutureresults. ―

One key aspect of financial planning for families is education savings. Did you know that investments inside a 529 College Savings account for your child's education will grow tax-free? If you’re planning to pay for a full college program for your child, this tax savings alone could be enough to fund a full year of tuition at apublicin-stateuniversity1.Stillnotsureif the 529 is right for you? Here's an added bonus: Secure 2.0 allows leftover funds in your child's 529 to be rolled into a Roth IRAallowingyoutoprovideforyourchild’s financial future beyond college. However, California has their own plan for taxing these rollovers and limitations apply.

Compound interest is your friend when saving for large financial goals. If you start early, compounding interest can help grow your savings. For instance, if you save $250 per month from your child’s birth, compounded at 7% annually, this savings would grow to approximately $125,000 by the time they reach age 18! Better yet, if it’s in a 529 College Savings account that's $125,000 tax-free for college.

Butfinancialplanningforfamiliesisn'tjust about saving for college. It's also about building wealth and protecting it from risks that can erode your hard-earned savings. These risks range from sudden tragedies such as the loss of a loved one or disability, to potential market fluctuations and the burden of taxes and probate fees on your estate. That's why working with a holistic financial planner is crucial to ensure you’re planning for, and protecting, your family’s financial future.

Financial planning has evolved beyond

investing. A goals-based financial planner considers all the things you want to accomplish, models out your financial decisions, and determines the best course of action to optimize your financial resources over the long term. •

To learn more about a holistic approach to Building Generational Wealth, please join our free upcoming webinar. Attendees will learn valuable strategies for building lasting wealth from Certified Financial Planner™ Professional, Heather Comella. Scan the QR Code to register. For a personalized review, we invite you to schedule a free introductory meeting. Visit us www.folsomwealthadvisors. com or call (916) 234-0224.

OF FOLSOM RANCH KIDS

At FolsomRanch,ourvibrantcommunityishometoadiversegroupof talentedandspiritedyoungstersandcelebratetheiruniquepersonalities, passions, and achievements!

JOIN THE SHOWCASE!

If you’re a proud parent or guardian, we invite you to contribute to our community showcase. Share your child’s achievements, hobbies, or heartwarming moments by emailing us at folsomranchliving@gmail.com. Let’s celebrate the brilliance of Folsom Ranch’s next generation together!

After training at Kovar’s for 4 years (3 years in Natomas, and 1 year in Folsom), Aleia (age 12) became the first student to earn a black belt from the new Folsom academy.

Anakin (age 7) started Taekwondo at the age of 3. He has joined multiple local sparring tournaments across the state and has also participated at a national level competition.His dad trains him at their home-built dojang. He recently competed at the California State Championship in Fresno where he won a Gold medal and qualified to compete at USA Taekwondo Nationals in Texas this July.

POOL OF THE MONTH

We desired a pool that would perfectly fit our yard for entertaining family and friends. Ample deck space for seating and lounging was essential. Nathan Smith, after visiting our house for a consultation and measurements, crafted an excellent design. He thoughtfully incorporated our input into the plan, resulting in minimal changes to his proposal. We strategically positioned the pool to allow room for a grass area where our dogs could play.The layout felt natural, providing plenty of space for entertaining. The final pool design exceeded our expectations. Throughout the process, the customer service was exceptional. Nathan Smith, our designer and project manager,

ensured a smooth experience. Justin Fricker, the construction manager, kept us informed via text about progress and appointments. Once the pool was filled, transitioning to the service team was effortless. We were impressed by the pool’s smart features—lighting, heating, and spa controls—all accessible from our smartphones. Maintenance was a breeze with the included equipment. Premiere Pools truly stands out for its exceptional customer experience. They were transparent about the potential need for an extra day of excavation due to solid rock underground at Folsom Ranch. Our quote covered two days, but we ended up paying for an additional day. •

Designer: Nathan Smith

Features:

• 36’x15’ (106’ Perimeter ft)

• 7'x7' (49' Perimeter) Tile Spillway Spa

• 6 Spa Jets

• First Step (6") Tanning Shelf

• Micro Fusion pebble interior finish,Color: "Laguna"

• 930 sqft of concrete decking

Equipment:

• Jandy VS 2.7 HP Variable Speed Pump

• Jandy 460 sqft Cartridge Filter

• Jandy JXi 400,000 BTU Pool & Spa Heater

• In-Line Chlorinator

• Three (3) 24-watt Nicheless LED Lights in Pool

• One (1) 6-watt Nicheless LED Light in Spa

• iAqualink Wireless Pool Automation system

Contact Folsom Ranch's preferred pool company today!

Premiere Pools and Spas

11250 Pyrites Way

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (916)852-0223

CELEBRATING FREEDOM

FILIPINO INDEPENDENCE DAY

EVENT IN FOLSOM RANCH

― L��� C����� ―

Join the vibrant festivities at Mangini Elementary in Folsom Ranch as they commemorate Philippine Independence Day on Saturday, June 15th. This exciting event promises a fusion of culture, music, food, and community spirit, welcoming everyone to partake in the celebration of freedom and heritage.

A DAY OF UNITY AND CULTURE

As the Philippines marks its independence on June 12th, The Filipino community extends the celebration to the local community in Folsom Ranch with a day filled with entertainment and cultural enrichment. The event aims to promote unity among diverse cultures while honoring the rich history and traditions of the Filipino people.

MUSIC TO MOVE YOU

Get ready to groove to the beats of Filipino DJ, DJ Dose of One Dose Media and Sacramento’s own Sleeprockers Crew, along with the captivating melodies of our very own Band Victori Band. Their electrifying performances promise to set the stage alive and keep the crowd energized throughout the day.

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

Indulge in a culinary journey with a wide array of Filipino delicacies and international flavors offered by various food vendors. Sacramento Pinoy Foods, Fiesta Philippines, Zena's Baked Sushi, Cake It Away, Dusted Dough, and Pink and Yellow are just a few among the many vendors serving mouthwatering Filipino dishes and desserts.

EMPOWERING FILIPINO-OWNED BUSINESSES

At the heart of Folsom Ranch’s Philippine Independence Day celebration is a strong emphasis on supporting Filipino-owned businesses. From real estate to childcare, education to healthcare, and beyond, the event showcases a diverse array of enterprises that embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino community.

Attendees can explore a bustling marketplace featuring businesses like Filipino Realtor Luis Cantos with Zamanian Realty Group and Frontline Home Healthcare Inc., offering expert guidance in real estate and compassionate home healthcare services, respectively. Meanwhile, childcare facilities like Kids Hub and Dema's Daycare Folsom Ranch provide safe and nurturing environments for children, reflecting the community's commitment to family values and education. The coder school, a coding school that offers classes for kids, aiming to nurture the next generation of innovators.

Artisans and craftsmen also have their place at the event, with Adrian Blanco Jewelry showcasing exquisite pieces and Mona Cantos Photography capturing precious memories. For those seeking automotive care, JDR Mobile Detailing offers professional detailing services, while Bedrock Jiu Jitsu provides martial arts training under Filipino ownership. Additionally, fashion enthusiasts can explore Ustyle by ZLM for stylish apparel

and accessories that celebrate Filipino heritage.

These businesses not only contribute to the local economy but also preserve and promote Filipino artistry and culture. By patronizing these establishments, attendees not only support local entrepreneurs but also contribute to the cultural vibrancy and economic growth of the Filipino community.

LEARNING AND SAFETY

In addition to the festivities, attendees can also benefit from health and safety resources. Visit the health and first aid booth hosted by Dr. Cheryl Cruz, providing valuable information and assistance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

FREE AND OPEN TO ALL

Best of all, this event is free and open to people of all cultures and backgrounds. Whether you're Filipino or simply interested in experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Filipino culture, come join us at Mangini Elementary for a day of celebration, camaraderie, and cultural exchange.

Mark your calendars and be part of this unforgettable celebration of freedom and diversity at Mangini Elementary on Saturday, June 15th. See you there! •

DISCOVERING FOLSOM RANCH LIVING WITH THE LUEHRS FAMILY

In the heart of the rapidly expanding Folsom Ranch community, Trevor and Ropé have found their perfect slice of California. As this month's highlighted family inFolsom RanchLiving, they open up about their lives, their passions, and why they chose to plant their roots in this vibrant neighborhood.

FAMILY FIRST

The Luehrs family—Trevor, Ropé, their cheerful and chubby corgi, Lolo, and their soon-to-arrive baby boy—are emblematic of the spirited and dynamic nature of Folsom Ranch. At the time of this writing, they are eagerly awaiting the arrival of

MEET THE

LUEHRS

their son, due around May 10th. Although he hasn't made his grand entrance just yet, by the time you read this, he'll be the newest member of the Folsom Ranch community, bringing joy and a new beginning to the Luehrs family!

ROPÉ'S ROOTS AND PASSIONS

Having moved from the Philippines at the age of five, Ropé brings a rich cultural heritage and a deep love for community to her life in Folsom. She is integral to her family's business, which provides compassionate care in residential facilities for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome—a testament to her enduring commitment to helping others. Ropé's leisure time is often spent fishing, exploring delicious foods from local restaurants, and enjoying family gatherings. Her affinity for music, especially the tunes of Shawn Mendes, adds a melodious rhythm to her bustling life.

TREVOR'S JOURNEY AND COMMITMENT

A proud Marine Corps veteran, Trevor Luehrs today leads as a Director in the Executive Protection industry, where he manages teams dedicated to safeguarding some of the world's most influential figures. His passion for firearms education led him to establish Capital Defense Group, a premier firearms training organization based right

here in Folsom. But it’s his role as a realtor with Zamanian Realty Group that aligns closely with his love for this community. Trevor is dedicated to

helping individuals and families find their dream homes in Folsom Ranch, a place he believes is not just a wise investment but a wonderful place to live. The area’s growth—new schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and restaurants— makes it an exciting frontier for new and seasoned residents alike.

THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

What truly makes Folsom Ranch special for Trevor and Ropé are the community connections. The neighborhood thrives on an active network of WhatsApp groups that range from basketball and golf to shooting and jiu-jitsu, fostering strong bonds and unforgettable memories among residents. These groups are not just social circles but the foundation of a closely-knit community, where every member brings something unique to the table.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

For Trevor and Ropé, Folsom Ranch isn't just where they live—it's a part of who they are. As they prepare to welcome their new family member, the community support and the serene landscape of

Folsom Ranch continue to enrich their lives. They are thrilled to share their story with you through Folsom Ranch Living, celebrating a community that's as diverse and dynamic as the residents who call it home.

Trevor and Ropé invite you to explore Folsom Ranch, where every street, home, and face tells a story of community, growth, and a bright future. •

KALEIDOSCOPE OF A

FOLSOM RANCH CELEBRATES HOLI FESTIVAL WITH COLORFUL REVELRY

Hues of joy painted the sky as Folsom Ranch residents came together in a riot of colors to celebrate the vibrant Holi festival. Hundreds of neighbors gathered, transforming the community into a kaleidoscope of laughter and camaraderie.

Local food stands lined Mangini Ranch Elementarygrassfield,offeringanenticingarray of traditional delicacies to tantalize taste buds and fuel the festivities. From spicy chaat to aromatic biryani, the culinary offerings mirrored the rich diversity of the community.

Against this backdrop of culinary delights, dance performances captivated audiences, showcasing the cultural heritage of Folsom Ranch. From graceful classical dances to energetic Bollywood beats, each performance added to the jubilant atmosphere.

OF JOY

But the true stars of the event were the colors themselves, as participants gleefully threw vibrant powders into the air, painting each other with hues of joy and unity. Smiles adorned every face, bridging differences and fostering bonds of friendship that would endure long after the last color had faded.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, illuminating the sky with a kaleidoscope of its own, residents departed, their hearts full and spirits uplifted, eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of community life at Folsom Ranch. •

FLAVORFUL DELIGHTS

― S���� D�������� ― AT FOLSOM RANCH'S INAUGURAL FOOD TRUCK NIGHT

Folsom Ranch kicked off its monthly Food Truck Night with a delectable bang on April 12th, marking the beginning of a culinary tradition set to tantalize taste buds for months to come. Nestled under the open sky along Sparrow where the new park in going in, residents gathered on the second Friday of the month to indulge in a cornucopia of gastronomic delights.

From savory to sweet, the array of food trucks offered something for every palate. Craving a taste of Mexico? The aroma of sizzling tacos and spicy salsa beckoned. Seafood enthusiasts delighted in succulent lobster rolls fresh off the grill. For those with a sweet tooth, mini donuts sprinkled with

powdered sugar and piping hot gyros satisfied cravings.

The communal atmosphere buzzed with excitement as neighbors mingled, enjoying not only the diverse cuisine but also the opportunity to connect with one another. Laughter and conversations filled the air, creating a vibrant tapestry of community spirit.

As the sun set on this inaugural event, anticipation mounted for the next Food Truck Night on May 10th promising even more culinary adventures and cherished moments shared among friends and neighbors.•

UPDATES FROM THE COMMUNITY NEW COMMUNITY PARK IN EL DORADO HILLS

Nestled just a stone's throw away from the picturesque Folsom Ranch lies the latest gem in El Dorado Hills' recreational landscape: the 29th park in the area. Situated at 401 WilsonBlvd,ElDoradoHills,CA95762,this new community park promises to be a havenforoutdoorenthusiastsofallages.

Boasting a prime location, this park is conveniently located within a 5 to 10minute drive from Folsom Ranch, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. But what truly sets this park apart are its impressive amenities designed to cater to a wide range of interestsandactivities.

Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by a welcoming trailhead, signaling the start of an adventure-filled experience. The trail leads to various attractions within the park, including a small parking lot for convenience. A 20foot shade structure offers respite from the sun, while picnic tables and benches provide ample seating for picnickers and spectatorsalike.

Catering to the needs of cyclists, the park features essential amenities such as a bike fix-it station and bike racks, ensuring that cyclists can explore the area with peace of mind. Landscaped open spaces dotted with trees and drought-tolerant landscaping create a tranquil ambiance,

perfect for leisurely strolls or relaxing picnics.

For families with children, the park offers an array of play areas designed to engage and entertain. From inclusive play elements for toddlers to adventure play areasforolderchildren,there'ssomething for everyone. Poured-in-place surfacing ensuressafety,whilegrassyareasprovide space for impromptu games and activities.

Other amenities include a prefabricated two-stall restroom, a drinking fountain, and ample seating options scattered throughout the park. A barbecue area invites visitors to enjoy al fresco dining, while lighted parking lots ensure safety duringeveningvisits.

One of the highlights of the park is its recreationtrail,offering2,300linealfeetof decomposedgranite(DG)andcementtrail for walking, jogging, or cycling enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a leisurely day out with family and friends, thisnewcommunityparkinElDoradoHills promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit. So pack your picnic basket, grab your bike, and come discover the beauty and serenity of this stunning outdooroasis. •

M��� C�����

PUBLIC SAFETY IN FOLSOM RANCH UPDATE

A����� W�����

At the December 12, 2023 Folsom City Council meeting it was daylighted by Councilmember Anna Rohrbough that there was no assigned officers to Beat #5 for any of its three daily shifts. (Beat #5 covers the entirety of the south of Highway 50 Folsom Plan Area, aka Folsom Ranch.)

Formerly Mayor Rosario Rodriguez questioned Councilmember Rohrbough’s comment, stating that three officers had been funded by the council in the 20232024 city budget specifically to service Beat #5/Folsom Ranch. However, Police Chief Hilman clarified to Council member Rodriguez that though three additional officers had indeed been funded by the city council, that his police administration had the authority to assign those officers as they saw fit. None were assigned to Beat #5/Folsom Ranch due to its low crime rate, and instead there was voluntary overtime shifts for officers available to fill. Chief Hilman shared that the shifts were covered only 50% of the time. Instead, those three officers funded by city council and intended for Beat #5, were a part of a special team to address at times retail theft (POP team) and homelessness (HOT team).

Since that time, residents have reached out to the city council and police department and maintained the city’s focus on addressing this problem of unequal public safety resources for Folsom Ranch. In response, the police departmentstepped-uppatrolsbyofficers assigned elsewhere in the city, Chief Hilman and Councilmember Sarah Aquino held a Coffee with a Cop at Mangini Ranch, and the topic got some traction at both subsequent city council meetings and being mentioned by residents north of Highway50incommentsto thecouncil and on social media sites. A suggestion outside of city council meetings was made by Councilmember Aquino, who represents Folsom Ranch, that existing officers could utilize office space at the

future Folsom Ranch Fire Station scheduled to open Summer 2024. This would not result in Beat #5 having any additional staffing than it does today, but could improve emergency response times and visibility of law enforcement by having officers physically writing their desk reports nearby and parking their police cruisers in the area.

At the January 9, 2024 city council meeting, a majority of the city council agreed that a future agenda item should be added to address working towards a police substation in Folsom Ranch. Councilmember Aquino stated she had discussed plans with the City Manager, Elaine Anderson, about accelerating the timeline. The Folsom Plan Area Specific Plan, adopted by the city council previously, reads that “Construction of a new substation is expected to be completed when there is a Plan Area population of approximately 10,000 persons in the 8th year of Plan Area development.” As Folsom Ranch included 3,400 residences six+ months ago, if each home at that time had an average of 3 household members, we would have already met this number. However, given the city’s structural deficit, building a substation without having money to hire officers and other staff to fill it would likely be enough to stall any building plans.

Now, with the city budget debate in full swing, the issue of officers for Beat #5/ Folsom Ranch came front and center at the April 23, 2024 Folsom City Council meeting, during which Police Chief Rick Hilman gave a presentation on Crime and Homelessness. At the beginning of his presentation, he began by sharing that he was asked to address concerns regarding previous statements at city council that there were no assigned officers south of Highway 50 in Folsom Ranch, stating, “I’ve been asked to clear up… misconceptions, the first is one that we’vetalkedaboutseveraltimeswhichis do we have police patrols south of Highway 50. I want to say that we often

do, but not always.That is not uncommon for us to have an area, or that area, be unstaffed, however, I want to make sure that everybody understands even though an officer is not in that particular area we do respond to emergency calls in those areas.”

During further city council discussion at the April meeting, Chief Hilman discussed his request for eight additional officer positions; the City Manager, Elaine Anderson, shared she plans to approve three additional officer positions in the 2024-2025 budget in effect July 2024; Councilmember Rohrbough made a motion to immediately authorize six additional officer positions and not wait for the budget to go into effect in July. Though Councilmember Rohrbough’s motion did not pass, it echoed the significant public comments after Chief Hilman’s presentation that the residents of Folsom want a more robust police force.

There is a real debate as to where the police department’s priorities should be: staffing each beat identically, staffing according to public support, or something else. Chief Hilman’s presentation indicated that only 8% of the calls received by the department were related to unhoused individuals; though some of the more high-profile crimes involve unprovoked, serious bodily harm. Meanwhile, Councilmember Aquino summarized the police department’s position as “South of Highway 50 has the lowest number of calls for service so that beat is always last to be filled.” In the interest of transparency, the police department should share the data about what percentage of calls for service arise from each of the five beats since they appear to be analyzing it and determining staffing based upon this statistic.

This could be yet another budget year where the police administration has determined that Folsom Ranch will not receive its beat officers as the rest of the city does, unless Councilmember Rohrbough’s request for six officers is a part of the 2024-2025 budget year and the city council makes clear to the police administration that this time, those officers must be used to raise the minimum officer staffing from four to five, to reflect that the city now has five beats, not four. •

ALDER CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UPDATE

Schools in Folsom remain open after-hours and on weekends for playground access, organized community events and facilities rentals, as evidenced by Mangini Ranch emerging as a central hub for Folsom Ranch residents to gather. As we approach the opening of Alder Creek in six months, we can begin to imagine how the school can function as a park, meeting place, and an educational powerhouse for the families in Folsom Ranch. While the design is quite similar to that of Mangini Ranch, Alder Creek will have some different features of its own, to include the playground approved by the FCUSD Board of Education on January 18, 2024. The playground equipment was purchased from Berliner Seilfabrink for just over $226,000, featuring flubber pods, transfer net, play panel, fast lane slide, spaceball, hammock, rope ladder, and jungle bridge. Three separate playgrounds were purchased and the renderings for each were obtained from FCUSD. •

FOLSOM RANCH HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE

To date, both of the elementary schools in Folsom Ranch were funded under Measure M, a bond passed in 2007 intended to serve specific areas south of Highway 50 in Rancho Cordova (excluding the Anatolia neighborhood south of Douglas and the areas west of Sunrise Road), and the entire area south of Highway 50 in Folsom. In October 2023, FCUSD heard from members of the Rancho Cordova city council, Anatolia residents from the neighboring school district EGUSD, and Rancho Cordova residents in FCUSD, lobbying to build the next high school within the school district in Rancho Cordova. The arguments made included creating fairness between the two cities under Measure M so that the third school would be built in Rancho Cordova, and that both cities would finally both have two high schools. At that time, the FCUSD school board was largely in favor of building the high school intended to serve both communities in the Rancho Cordova neighborhood of Rio Del Oro.

However, there had not been any analysis of the share of Measure M taxes paid by each community nor the composition

of the student body in either community. There was a groundswell of advocacy efforts throughout the south of 50 neighborhoods, soon centering on the leadership group comprised of Justin Long, Sung Park, Dianna Laney (now FCUSD school board candidate!), Praveen Cheruku, Rob Planette, Amy McBride, Ahrash Zamanian, Jason Hall, Nilima Patel, Nathan Wagner, and Alayna Wagner. It became apparent that without swift and convincing action by the community, that a decision would be made without input from all the stakeholders.

It was found that 84% of all students within the boundary paying into Measure M, also known as SFID3, lived in Folsom Ranch. It was also learned that 800 homes were in the Rancho Cordova side of the boundary, adding roughly 50 per year, with 3,400 on the Folsom Ranch side, adding 500+ per year. The tax data, however, proved elusive at that time.

On November 16, 2023, over 200 Folsom Ranch residents filled the FCUSD administration building and provided coordinated public comments informing the school board of our opposition

to their plan and the rationale supporting building the high school in Folsom as opposedtoRanchoCordova. Thiscaused the board to step back and pull further data about the capacity of the schools in each community and reconvene a special meeting on January 8, 2024. Through outreach and significant efforts, the entire Folsom City Council attended this meeting. At this meeting, the board recognized the overwhelming student need resided in Folsom, not Rancho Cordova- and ultimately agreed to appoint community members from each area to a committee to discuss equitable distribution of funds from Measure M and potential future tax rates which would be acceptable to the communities.

In February, the FCUSD board agreed to proceed with two firms to provide value engineering services for school designs for the district, to be paid out of Measure M- but at the first March committee meeting, the Folsom members of the committee, namely, Dianna Laney, Amy McBride, Santosh Sangras, Sung Park, and Alayna Wagner, were successful along with the Rancho Cordova residents in convincing staff that we would not agree to fund and build a high school version of Mangini Ranch, preferring instead a more traditional and affordable model such as Vista Del Lago. The cost difference of these designs would be evident in the future tax rates, and reasonable budgets for new schools was nonnegotiable. There was some push

back after that meeting, though community members sent dozens of emails to the board members ensuring their preference was clearly stated.

Also at the March committee meeting, it was determined that Measure M, for which a homeowner assessed at $750,000 value of their home pays $1,545 for their 2023 property taxes on $205M spent, was not possible to be used until the population was much larger than it is today and should be temporarily paused, or permanently canceled. In its place, the committee recommended a district wide bond or city wide bond for future schools to be funded. This would result in a much lower tax burden to families in the boundary for Measure M, also known as SFID3, while still funding new schools as well as maintenance and improvements on existing schools. The question would be: would a district-wide bond in which Folsom built its new schools first due to overwhelming capacity issues pass in Rancho Cordova? Finally at this meeting, it was agreed that there would be some small withdrawal from Measure M in the future to give Rio Del Oro its fair share of funding, less roughly $42 million in outstanding available dollars from the state reimbursement of Alder Creek and leftover Measure M authorization, once it had a need to build a school in 5+ years.

Whether a city-wide or district-wide bond is pursued by FCUSD for new schools and maintenance on existing schools, it

cannot be placed on the ballot until 2026. FCUSD has stated that as long as the bond passes in 2026, the high school can be opened on time as planned.

At the April committee meeting, the district staff made a non-consensus suggestion regarding cash on-hand which may or may not be made public by the timeofthispublication. Thetaxdatawas also released, based upon a rosier than reality rate of development in Rio Del Oro (3x their actual rate of development) and a more conservative than actual rate of development in Folsom Ranch, that through the life of the bonds the Rancho Cordova side would pay up to 42%, with Folsom Ranch contributing 58%. The actual numbers will vary based on the factual development but again, those figures are based upon more credit being given to one community and less than the other. The May committee meeting will explore the proposed placement of the high school.

Ultimately, the board will need to take action on the committee recommendations stated and discussed above. There will likely continue to be a need for emails, and physical attendance and public comments to be given at both city council and the school board meetings. Please continue to stay involved and be prepared to take action! •

THANK YOU TO MANGINI RANCH PTA, PARENTS, STAFF AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Thanks to our amazing community here at Mangini Ranch Elementary, Mangini Ranch PTA was able to use the funds we raised during the first annual Dance-a-Thon for the following:

Funded the Art Docent Program

Donated funds for Kinder Back to School Event

Hosted the Longhorn’s on the Lawn Event

Hosted Trunk or Treat Event

Funded a BMX Assembly

Hosted Perkin with Mr Peterson with Realtor Ahrash Zamanian

Donated funds for Field Trips

Funded the Dance Curriculum and Holiday Show

Provided reimbursements for Teacher’s Classroom supplies

Hosted and funded Kindness Week

Provided Shirts for all Students and Staff

Purchased an awesome Mascot Costume

Supported Mileage Club

Hosted a Movie Night

Supported Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Supported STEAM Night

Hosted Spring Fling Family Dance

Donated funds to the Mangini Ranch Library

Made donations to the Health Office

Hosted and funded Teacher Appreciation Week

Hosted the end-of-year Longhorn Roundup Event

Supported and funded 5th Grade Promotion

Started and funded a Gardening Program

Collaborated with Longhorn leaders in the Mangini

and the Kindness Crew

Ranch Student Council

A BIT ABOUT FCUSD TRUSTEE AREA 2 CANDIDATE, DIANNA LANEY

There has been tremendous support both within the south of Highway 50 community and by regional leaders in embracing Folsom Ranch-resident and FCUSD Trustee Area 2 candidate, Dianna Laney, since she announced her campaign in March. But Dianna is not a career politician,thoughsheisanintegralmember of the community who has given of her time in so many ways. Did you know Dianna has:

• taught 14 sessions of art docent classes at Mangini Ranch in the 2023-2024 school year

• directed the crossing-guard intersection at Mangini Ranch Parkway and Sawyer Way 30+ times in the 2023-2024 school year

• spentover150hoursorganizingonFolsomRanchHighSchool since October 2023

• serves as Chair of the Folsom Library Commission

• coached youth soccer in the city of Folsom

• parents two elementary aged students who attend Mangini Ranch Elementary.•

EMERGENCY CONTACTS & IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Folsom Fire Department Non - Emergency Folsom Police Department NonEmergency

Mercy Hospital of Folsom Emergency Services

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Poison Control

Starting January 1, 2023, Sacramento County Office of EmergencyServicesandFolsomPoliceDepartmentwillbeusingRave Mobile Safety (Rave Smart 911) to send emergency notifications to residents.

If you have previously registered with Sacramento Alert (Everbridge) or with Folsom Police Department Nixle, your information will transfer over to the new system. If you wish to change any information that you provided or change emergency alert notifications, you will need to create a new account at www. sacramento-alert.org or by texting 67283 from your smartphone.

Rave Smart911 provides voice messages regarding emergencies, including at-risk missing persons, evacuation routes, and other public safety emergency information.

While Rave Smart911 provides emergency notification service to all of Sacramento County, it allows messages to be geographically based. You will only receive messages that pertain to the locations you set. You can set up multiple addresses and phone numbers to help ensure that you are notified of emergencies

(916) 461- 6325

(916) 355- 7231

(916) 983-7400

(844) 244- 5935

(800) 222- 1222

near home, work, school, or any other location you choose. www.smart911.com

Stay informed with text messages and emails from the Folsom Police Department. These messages include community messages, messages regarding road closures or detours, missing people, and other important information.

https://nixle.com/folsom-police-department/

JOIN THE RAVE! (SMART 911)

HOMES SOLD IN FOLSOM RANCH

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