Folsom Ranch Magazine Issue 16 by FolsomRanchLiving

FROM THE FOLSOM RANCH LIVING TEAM As we wrap up the year and look ahead to January, it’s a joy to see how Folsom Ranch continues to grow and come alive with community spirit. This issue is full of stories that remind us why it’s such a special place to call home. You’ll find updates on the Folsom Ranch Shops, which is quickly becoming a go‑to spot for shopping and gathering. We’re also shining a light on our students — from the creativity of the Mangini Ranch Elementary drama club to the cheerful voices of the Alder Creek Elementary choir. Their energy and talent are a wonderful reminder of the bright future being built right here. We’re celebrating culture too, with Diwali festivities that brought color, tradition, and joy to our neighborhood. And with the opening of the UC Davis Health Center, we welcome a new resource that will support families and neighbors for years to come. Whether you’re enjoying the holiday season or starting fresh in the new year, we hope these stories inspire you to stay connected, celebrate one another, and keep building the spirit of Folsom Ranch together. With Gratitude, The Folsom Ranch Living Team

Managing Editor Issue Number 16 Ahrash Zamanian, Scott Davenport Contributing Editor Alayna Wagner Social Media Luis Cantos Art & Layout Donnell de Leon Cover Mona Cantos Contributing Writers Shivani Shah, Alayna Wagner, Scott Davenport, Sarah Aquino 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, validity, 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.

WHAT’S INSIDE

A LETTER FROM SARAH AQUINO

MANGINI RANCH DRAMA CLUB

ALDER CREEK MARKETPLACE UPDATE

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

ALDER CREEK ELEMENTARY CHOIR

MEET THE BHARGAVA FAMILY

LIGHTING UP FOLSOM RANCH

UC DAVIS HEALTH OPENS

LETTER

FROM

SARAH

AQUINO

Mayor of Folsom It’s been a busy year for the City of Folsom as we welcomed a new city manager, public works director, police chief, and interim fire chief. Next year promises to be just as busy as we complete new sections of bike trail, rebuild Castle Park, and break ground on new parks in Empire Ranch and Russell Ranch. The Empire Ranch Road interchange project will move into the design phase early next year as we continue to pursue full funding for the construction phase.

I’m honored to represent you on the city council and encourage you to contact me anytime with your questions, comments, and suggestions. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and healthy, happy new year. Sarah Aquino Council Member, District 3 (916)798-5380 saquino@folsom.ca.us

MANGINI RANCH DRAMA CLUB With the close of the third year for Mangini Ranch Elementary’s Drama Club rapidly approaching, Director Lisa Gee recalled its very first. With 90 students completing their auditions, Ms. Gee and the other involved teachers decided they wanted to accommodate all of the students by having two full casts. While it was incredibly rewarding, moving forward it was changed to only one full cast for each year. Focusing on a smaller group allowed Ms. Gee, Ms. Parsons, Ms. Owens, and Ms. Knecht -among many other helpers- to focus resources and ensure that the program could continue sustainably for the following years.

Ms. Gee herself was inspired by her own school-age memories from Drama Club in Rancho Cordova schools, and imagined her students experiencing the fun she had while performing Music Man. With this year’s performance of Willy Wonka, it was no surprise that the final product was fun, funny, and rewarding fun for all involved, despite the daunting task of creating the complex props, set, and costumes. It was truly a full-circle moment for Ms. Gee, and for the Drama Club as it came full circle into its own. The students knocked it out of the park at their performances on December 4th and 5th !

The marketplace is planned as a local-serving retail center, rather than a large regional destination. Several tenants have already been publicly announced or reported as having signed leases, including: • Safeway – Full-service grocery store and anchor tenant • Paris Baguette – Bakery-café offering pastries, coffee, and light meals • Jersey Mike’s Subs – Casual sandwich dining • Next Health – Wellness and health services provider • Nail Chateau II – Personal care services

Photo Credit: Hunter Properties Inc.

ALDER CREEK MARKETPLACE WHAT’S COMING, WHERE IT’S GOING AND WHEN TO EXPECT IT Many Folsom Ranch residents have been watching the progress at the corner of Alder Creek Parkway and East Bidwell Street, curious about what’s planned for this highly visible intersection. The answer is becoming clearer: Alder Creek Marketplace is a new neighborhood shopping center designed to bring everyday conveniences, dining, and services closer to home. Where It Will Be Located Alder Creek Marketplace is being developed at the Alder Creek Parkway and East Bidwell Street crossroads, just south of Highway 50 and directly serving the growing Folsom Ranch community. The location is intended to be easily accessible for nearby neighborhoods, making it a convenient stop for groceries, coffee, meals, and personal services. What’s Planned to Open.

In addition, Dutch Bros Coffee has been confirmed for a nearby site within the same Bidwell and Alder Creek development area, adding a popular drive-thru coffee option for residents commuting through the corridor. When It May Open Construction and tenant build-outs are expected to occur in phases. While timelines can shift, current reporting suggests that initial openings could begin in 2026, with additional businesses following into 2027 as construction and individual tenant improvements are completed. A New Convenience for a Growing Community For many residents, Alder Creek Marketplace represents an important next step in the evolution of Folsom Ranch. As the neighborhood continues to grow, having essential shopping, dining, and services nearby helps make the area feel more complete and connected. Rather than replacing existing destinations in Folsom, this new center is designed to complement the neighborhood—offering places to grab groceries, meet a friend for coffee, or handle everyday errands without a longer drive. Once the doors open, Alder Creek Marketplace is expected to become a familiar and well-used part of daily life in Folsom Ranch.

Student Spotlight Yash Patel Yash is a fourth grader who successfully auditioned for the Drama Club in third grade, and had previously held a supporting role as a member of Ensemble. This year, he embodied the main character of the play by being just as luckyand securing the lead role of Charlie. Yash said once he found out about it,

by checking his mom’s phone, he started jumping around in his living room. His advice for other interested students was to keep singing and practicing the audition material, and to ask their families for feedback to improve. Outside of Drama, Yash enjoys Roblox, singing, playing with his friends, and is a talented artist.

Student Spotlight Eliana Han Eliana is a fifth grader who successfully auditioned for the Drama Club in both third and fourth grade. After two years of singing in the ensemble, she secured a leading role as Willie Wonka this year. For Eliana, finding out she earned such a prestigious spot elicited excitement. She shared her words of wisdom for students who want to join Drama Club : "Listen to the audition music, sing loudly, and practice to memorize the materials before the audition." Outside of the Drama Club, Eliana learns violin, piano, and Taekwondo. She is a hardworking violinist

who began near the end of her Sacramento Youth Symphony Orchestra last year and worked her way up to become concertmaster in Vivace this year. In Taekwondo, she advanced from holding break boards last year to performing in the front center of Na Martial Arts Demo team this year. She enjoys reading, most recently The Land of Stories series these days. Her journey reflects how perseverance and consistency, even through challenges, can lead to remarkable growth and achievement.

As an existing or new homeowner, you are probably aware of the Northern California insurance marketplace being in a state of crisis. With wildfire risk, insurer withdrawals and regulatory changes, the cost has become prohibitive. If you have a mortgage on your house as most do, it is required. With the limited marketplace many have been required to turn to the California FAIR Plan, the state's insurer of last resort. With the recent losses in Southern California, the FAIR Plan is under financial strain which further complicates the issue.

Where does this leave us? Recent reforms withing the California Department of Insurance have allowed for catastrophic modeling and reinsurance cost adjustments in ratemaking to encourage insurers to expand coverage options. This will not be an immediate fix. Dring this current insurance environment it is important to find a good local agent who has your best interests in mind and is familiar with your zip code. It is also key to get quotes with adequate time before renewal or the purchase of a home. Now, allowing at least fifteen days for an agent to obtain options is appropriate. Now more than ever it also is advantageous to bundle your home and autos, if possible, to obtain the greatest discounts.

Matt Erickson, ChFC, CLU – Ins. Lic. #0C92064 President – ISU Insurance Services – Atwood Agency Agency Ins. Lic. #0452737 ISU Insurance Services - Atwood Agency (Serving Northern California since 1919)

Alder Creek Elementary Choir If you happen to see some students arriving early at Alder Creek Elementary one morning and wonder what they’re up to, you might be surprised to learn they are participating in choir practice for the very first year of the program! As the group of third, fourth and fifth graders began their vocal warmups with Super Duper Double Bubble Gum, the value of a group like this one was immediately apparent. Fifth graders were setting a good example with projection, while other students were able to vocalize their worries about experiencing stage fright. As practice carried on, the variety of songs allowed the students to showcase their vocal ranges and personalities, via performing rock n’ roll classics, childhood favorites, and modern tunes. When technical difficulties caused the music to cut, the choir didn’t miss a single beat. Several students, and one young boy in particular, swayed to the music throughout.

Ms. Lucy Norton and Ms. Hayley Fitzpatrick, who teach at the school, were eagerly sharing what they could about the yet-to-be-scheduled performance in Spring 2025. Some buzzwords for the general theme included “positive”, “growth mindset”, and “kindness”. These characteristics were a part of the rehearsal, with encouragement being given to speak up whilst friendly volume competitions were had between the different grades. The performance itself will feature grade-level showcases and encourage the students to take risks, while fostering their love of music. Ms. Fitzpatrick shared that some of the more classic songs were her favorite because of how “some messages last a long time.” Thanks to these two teachers, surely these uplifting messages will stay with their choir students throughout their lives.

THE

BHARGAVA FAMILY A STORY OF LOVE, CULTURE & COMMUNITY IN FOLSOM RANCH

The Bhargava family story began with a foundation of deep friendship that naturally blossomed into love for Drisana and Naveen. After two years, Naveen proposed, and on June 30, 2012, the couple married on an auspicious date selected through Hindu Vedic Astrology. Their ceremony, held in a Sikh temple in El Sobrante, beautifully blended Drisana’s Sikh Punjabi roots with Naveen’s Hindu Punjabi heritage — a harmony

active, participating in chess club, AAU FEBA basketball, Folsom Jr. Bulldogs tackle football, Barbell Club, and flag football. In 2016, the Bhargava home was blessed with the arrival of twins Dylan and Gavin, who share many interests and friendships but are wonderfully unique in personality. Together, they participate in tackle football, AAU FEBA basketball, Barbell Club, and flag football.

they continue to honor in their home and in the way they raise their children. Their first child, Cameron, was born in 2014. Cameron is motivated even in the face of adversity — always finding a way to persevere with calm strength and a naturally sweet nature. A gifted student, especially in math and reading, he also has a growing love for music and anime. Cameron stays incredibly

Dylan is the life of the party — outgoing, energetic, and always ready to bring joy wherever he goes. He has a naturally sweet nature, is always looking out for others, and loves to help. He stays extremely active and can almost always be found with a ball in his hand. Dylan loves music, being around his family and friends, and making everyone around him laugh and smile.

Gavin is compassionate, thoughtful, and remarkably creative. He loves music as well, enjoys playing on his VR headset, going to the park, and spending time with friends. Academically, he gravitates toward math and science, and at home he enjoys helping in the kitchen and creating art. Gavin has a quiet determination — always striving to do his best in everything he does, whether it’s schoolwork, friendships, or sports. Central to all three boys’ identities is their shared middle name, Singh, which in Sikh tradition means lion or warrior — a symbol of bravery, resilience, service, and righteousness. For the Bhargava family, it is both a name and reminder of the strength and integrity carried by generations before them.

In 2020, the Bhargavas relocated from Dublin to Folsom Ranch seeking more space, community, and opportunities for their boys. What they didn’t expect was how quickly Folsom would become more than just a place to live. With Naveen’s fun-loving nature and charismatic energy paired with Drisana’s warmth and genuine connection with others, the family quickly became a familiar and beloved presence in the neighborhood. Over the next several years, friends and family were inspired to move closer, forming a true village within TriPointe — a supportive, joyful network that continues to grow and thrive. Naveen works in Strategic Finance and is known for his analytical mind, thoughtful decision-making, and steady

steady presence. As a father, Naveen is incredibly hands-on — deeply present in his children’s day-to-day lives and always prioritizing quality time with them. He volunteers his time to give back to the community, coaching and supporting young athletes with patience, encouragement, and genuine passion. Whether he’s mentoring kids on the field, cheering from the sidelines, or helping build confidence in the athletes he works with, Naveen’s commitment to family and community shines through in everything he does. Drisana has built a successful career in logistics, where her strengths in relationship-building, problem-solving, and connecting people shine. She was one of the first board members of Mangini

“Work hard, be kind, and always have fun.” Ranch Elementary and has unwaveringly dedicated years to supporting the PTA, school events, and the entire school community. By organizing neighborhood celebrations to bring families together, Drisana has been one of the familiar, welcoming faces that help make Folsom Ranch feel like home. 2025 brought significant challenges, including Drisana’s breast cancer diagnosis — a moment that shifted their focus inward and reminded them of what truly matters most. It was a year of realignment, courage, and

accepting support from the very community they had always uplifted, encouraging the family to recenter their priorities, slow down, and devote intentional time to one another. Throughout the journey, the Bhargava family leaned on their faith, their bond, and the strength of their village. This experience has inspired Drisana to advocate for breast cancer awareness, early detection, and encouraging women to prioritize their health. As the Bhargavas look ahead to 2026, their hopes are rooted in gratitude and optimism:

continued healing, creating new family memories, deepening friendships, and embracing every moment with intention. They are grateful every day to call Folsom Ranch home — a place where their children thrive, their traditions are embraced, and their hearts have found a community they truly belong to.

Happy Holidays‌

Folsom Ranch has been home to us since the beginning, and we are incredibly grateful for the trust this community continues to place in us. Thank you to the families, neighbors, and friends who have supported us year after year and helped make us the number one real estate team in Folsom Ranch for the past several years. That trust means everything to us, and it is something we never take for granted. Having sold more homes here than anyone else has given us a deep understanding of this community, from the different builders and floorplans to how homes should truly be priced to sell. That kind of insight only comes from experience, consistency, and being present through every market shift. Beyond real estate, we believe showing up matters. From community events and school partnerships to seasonal gatherings and local give backs, we are proud to invest our time and energy into the neighborhood we call home. This magazine and the events we host are simply extensions of that same commitment. As we look ahead, we are thankful for the relationships we have built, the momentum we have earned, and the opportunity to continue serving Folsom Ranch at the highest level. We are proud of what we have built together and excited for what is still to come.

FROM THE TOP TEAM IN FOLSOM RANCH

RECENT SALES

“Jordan’s market expertise and social media strategy helped our home reach more buyers than expected and sell off market. Her knowledge of Folsom Ranch and local resources truly stood out.”

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Represented the seller of this Serrano estate, trusted by a Sacramento Kings coach and sold nearly $100K over in under 10 days.

3337 GOPHER RIDGE DR., FOLSOM

3289 GOPHER RIDGE DR., FOLSOM

Represented both the seller and the buyer — sold in just 4 days with multiple offers.

The seller called me thinking about selling and 2 hours later I had it sold off market for $80K above the last similar model. Results that speak for themselves.

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14965 PRAIRIE GOLD CIR., FOLSOM

2038 RITCHIE ST., FOLSOM

3225 ROSALYN CT., FOLSOM

Sold in just 2 weekends with multiple offers — strong terms secured, including 2 weeks of free rent-back for our sellers.

Sold off-market in Lake View Oaks — our buyer network delivers top results without ever hitting the MLS

In contract the day it was listed . Relationships matter, and our buyers didn’t have to compete.

CURRENT LISTINGS

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience than working with Ahrash. His unmatched knowledge of Folsom Ranch, constant availability, and genuine commitment to his clients are exactly why he’s the most trusted and consistently top-performing agent in Folsom”

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

$1,199,000 3406 LOGGERHEAD CIR., FOLSOM

3324 CROOKED BED WY., FOLSOM

6 Beds | 5 Baths | 3,773 Sq Ft | 8,507 Sq Ft Lot

5 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,995 Sq Ft | Tri Pointe –

Lennar – Lunaria Community

Lonestar Community

Rare six bedroom home on a large lot offering space, flexibility, and long term value.

Spacious Tri Pointe home with a versatile layout in a desirable Folsom Ranch setting.

Thinking Of Selling? Tri Pointe – Waterstone Community

AS FOLSOM’S LEADING REAL ESTATE TEAM, WE DON’T JUST LIST HOMES—WE K N O W T H E M I N S I D E A N D O U T. F R O M SPECIFIC BUILDER UPGRADES TO THE NUANCES OF EVERY FLOORPLAN, OUR TEAM USES DEEP LOCAL DATA TO POSITION YOUR HOME FOR THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE.

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4993 GOLD RUSH DR., FOLSOM 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,162 Sq Ft Lennar – Aster Community Well designed Lennar home with a functional layout, positioned for strong buyer demand.

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LIGHTING UP FOLSOM RANCH A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF DIWALI BY SHIVANI SHAH

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, came alive in Folsom Ranch and greater Folsom this year with a blend of tradition, community spirit, and dazzling displays. For many residents — both longtime Indian-American families and their neighbors — the celebration offered a warm reminder of the values of

light, unity, and renewal. In neighborhoods like Folsom Ranch, families lit diyas (small oil lamps) around their homes, festooned porches with colorful lights, and gathered together in the glow of the season. The fireworks added a joyful punctuation to the night sky — not in

reckless bursts, but in thoughtfully coordinated, approved displays. Neighborhood Block Parties Bring the Community Even Closer Across several streets in Folsom Ranch, small neighborhood block parties added a warm, homegrown charm to the Diwali festivities. Families gathered in cul-de-sacs with shared potluck tables, local food vendors, and diya painting created by both kids and adults. Neighbors exchanged homemade sweets, lit sparklers together, and played festive music that echoed through the blocks. For many residents, these intimate gatherings became the heart of their Diwali experience — a chance to welcome new neighbors, strengthen friendships, and create lasting traditions within the growing community.

Looking Ahead As Folsom Ranch residents looked around at the gently glowing diyas, the excited chatter of families, and the shimmering bursts of fireworks overhead, there was a sense that Diwali had become a meaningful part of their local calendar — not just for those familiar with its traditions, but for the whole neighborhood. With safety, generosity, and joy at its core, this year’s Diwali in Folsom Ranch was more than a festival of lights — it was a festival of belonging.

Bringing World-Class Care Close to Home UC Davis Health Opens New $182M Clinic A big moment for our community arrived this August as UC Davis Health officially opened its brand-new Folsom Medical Care Clinic—a beautiful, modern, 114,000-square-foot facility located right off Hwy 50 and E. Bidwell at 14264 Innovation Drive. The clinic begins seeing patients on September 2, and it’s designed to make high-quality care easier and more convenient for families in Folsom Ranch, Empire Ranch, El Dorado Hills, and the foothills.

OB/GYN services Cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, sports medicine and more A brand-new 16-bay infusion center for cancer care and infusion treatments A full radiology center, including MRI, CT, Xray, and bone density scanning

the building was planned —bright spaces, comfortable waiting areas, outdoor seating, and even a small playground for kids.

as the clinic gets up and running. UC Davis Health is also partnering with the city for events like Folsom’s Community Service Day on Sept. 20.

A Milestone for Folsom Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino joined UC Davis leaders for the ribboncutting, calling it “a big day for our city” and a major investment in the For many neighbors, this health and well-being of means fewer long drives, local families. UC Davis less time off work, and Health leaders also noted easier access to the care that more buildings and they need. services are planned as part of their long-term Built With the Community campus vision. in Mind A One-Stop Spot for The clinic was designed With this opening, UC Everyday & Specialty to feel warm, welcoming, Davis Health continues Care and connected to nature. offering some services at The new clinic brings Each area features colors its Turn Pike Drive together three existing UC and artwork inspired by location, including Davis Health offices and local plants like poppies, dermatology, adds many services that lupine, and sunflowers. pulmonology, and Folsom has never had gastroenterology. locally before. There’s even a healing garden that patients in the A Healthy Future Ahead Families will now have infusion center can view More doctors and access to: during treatment. specialists will be added Primary care, in the coming months, pediatrics, and family Longtime UC Davis staff and patient experience medicine shared how thoughtfully will be closely monitored

For Folsom Ranch residents, this new clinic is a welcome addition—a place built to make life a little easier, healthier, and more connected. As one UC Davis leader put it, the new clinic is “a beacon for our community,” and one that will serve local families for generations to come.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS & IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Folsom Fire Department Non - Emergency

(916) 461- 6325

Folsom Police Department NonEmergency

(916) 355- 7231

Mercy Hospital of Folsom Emergency Services

(916) 983-7400

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

(844) 244- 5935

Poison Control

(800) 222- 1222

Join the Rave! (Smart 911) Starting January 1, 2023, Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services and Folsom Police Department will be using Rave 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.

Stay informed with text messages and emails from the Folsom Police Department. These messages include community messages,

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

messages regarding road closures or detours, missing people, and

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

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

other important information.

REMEMBER - Report non-emergency maintenance issues to the City of Folsom with customer service tool www.SeeClickFix.com

OVER 130

HOMES SOLD

IN FOLSOM RANCH

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RANKED #1 REALTOR IN FOLSOM RANCH FOR 2025 @AHRASHZ

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(916) 812-9924