Egg-citingEASTER FUN
― SHIVANI SHAH ―
Folsom Ranch families gathered for a joyful and high‑energy Easter Egg Hunt this spring, creating a memorable day filled with excitement, laughter, and community spirit. Hosted by Ahrash Zamanian and organized by Wows Forever, the event brought neighbors together for a festive celebration that delighted children and adults alike. From the moment families arrived, the field buzzed with anticipation as kids compared baskets, parents chatted with friends, and volunteers put the finishing touches on the day’s activities.
With over 12,000 eggs spread across the field, the hunt was nothing short of spectacular. Children eagerly dashed across the grass, baskets in hand, searching for colorful treasures hidden throughout the area. Some eggs held candy, others small toys, and a few special ones offered extra surprises that made the hunt even more exciting. The sheer scale of the event made it a thrilling experience for everyone involved, with parents cheering from the sidelines and younger siblings toddling along, determined to grab a few eggs of their own.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers worked tirelessly to make the event possible. A special thank‑you goes out to all those who helped carefully place thousands of eggs, ensuring every
child had a chance to join in the fun. Many arrived early in the morning to help set up, while others stayed late to clean the grounds and make sure the park was left spotless. The incredible volunteers from Beacon Church also played a key role during the event, helping keep everything running smoothly and creating a welcoming environment for all attendees. Their support added a layer of organization and warmth that helped the day unfold seamlessly.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, Scott Davenport kept the energy high with lively music throughout the event, making the celebration even more enjoyable for families as they gathered, hunted, and celebrated together. His upbeat playlist set the tone from start to finish, turning the field into a cheerful, family‑friendly party where kids danced between egg hunts and parents relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed the sunshine.
Events like this highlight the strong sense of community that makes Folsom Ranch so special. With thoughtful planning, enthusiastic volunteers, and families coming together, this year’s Easter Egg Hunt was truly a day to remember. It wasn’t just about finding eggs — it was about connection, joy, and the shared experiences that continue to bring our neighborhood closer together.
PROSCIUTTO RICOTTA PIZZA A TASTE OF FOLSOM RANCH
― JORDAN CORREA ―
Prosciutto Ricotta Pizza is a sweet and saltyhomemade white pizza packed with flavor! It takes 25 minutes to make and features a golden crust topped with mozzarella, ricotta, prosciutto, arugula, and a drizzle of hot honey.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour for dusting
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or a neutral oil
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese Fior di Latte (regular), buffalo, or shredded
- ½ cup ricotta
- 2 oz prosciutto
- 1 cup arugula
- 2 tablespoon hot honey
Instructions
Let dough temper - Place dough on a lightly floured work surface and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven - Place the oven rack in the middle tier nd preheat the oven to 475°F.
Prepare pizza - Strech the dough by hand or use a rolling pin to create a 12-inch circle or a 9x13" rectangle. Lightly oil a pizza pan or baking sheet and place the dough on in the pan. Top with mozzarella cheese and dollops of ricotta.
Bake pizza - Bake pizza on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the bottom of the crust is lightly browned. The cheese will be bubbly around the edges.
Serve - Remove from the oven and top with prosciutto and arugula. Cut into 8 slices and drizzle with hot honey. Serve immediately.
FOLSOM RANCH TIDBITS
― ALAYNA WAGNER ―
Alder Creek Marketplace Updates
The upcoming Alder Creek Marketplace has released a significant list of tenants, including but not limited to: Safeway, Safeway fuel station, Jetset Pilates, Chipotle Mexican Grill, SAFE Credit Union, Paris Baguettte, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Next Health, and Nail Chateau II. The first businesses should be open to the public by mid-2027.
For more information, see the full article in the Folsom Times!
New Folsom Ranch Elementary School
The next elementary school in Folsom Ranch will be adjacent to the Jackrabbit Hill Park site, after a previous location west of East Bidwell was determined to not meet immediate construction criteria. The school is expected to be built with a combination of development impact fees, state matching fund reimbursments, and Measure M funds. No district-wide bond will appear on the November 2026 ballot.
The school district also continues to look for bussing solutions, after they significantly reduced bus routes for Folsom Ranch in the upcoming school year despite the general fund savings only amounting to between $104,000-120,000. This amounts to a
maximum annual cost to the district of $631 per each of the 190 students utilizing bussing currently, and families are now being queried about paying for private bus transportation at a cost of more than twice that figure.
Station 34 Updates
Station 34 which is the firehouse serving Folsom Ranch lost its water engine to a north of 50 station last fall, and after an analysis of the existing challenges facing the Folsom Fire Department, it is being returned. This was due to a review of the fire suppression response to Folsom Ranch impacted by the current congestion and traffic on East Bidwell.
Volunteers
Both the Folsom Ranch Holi Festival and Festival of Eggs events at Mangini Ranch Elementary were a success. Integral to these events continuing to take place is the volunteerism of teens and adults. We need more volunteers so please send an email to : Folsomranchliving@gmail.com if we can count on you for the next event. Some featured volunteers include Akshara, Marepalli, Maaya Mathavan, Samantha Prabhu, and Ami Saravanan
CHIPOTLE, SAFE CREDIT UNION, JETSET PILATES
JOINING NEW FOLSOM RANCH RETAIL CENTER
Chipotle, SAFE Credit Union, Jetset Pilates joining new Folsom Ranch retail center
The project is anchored by a planned 55,000-square-foot Safeway grocery store and fuel station, which will serve as the centerpiece of the 95,000-square-foot development. Spanning more than 12 acres at the southwest corner of Alder Creek Parkway and East Bidwell Street, the center is positioned within one of the city’s fastest-growing residential areas and is being built to support the continued growth of Folsom Ranch.
A mix of national brands, regional businesses and service providers have committed to the project, with leasing activity indicating the center is nearing full occupancy.
Among the latest tenants is Jetset Pilates, a Miami Beach-based boutique fitness concept that will establish its first local presence at the site. The studio will offer group-based Pilates classes as part of the brand’s expansion into Northern California.
Also confirmed is Chipotle Mexican Grill, which plans to open its third location in Folsom at Alder Creek Marketplace,
adding to its existing presence in the city.
Financial services will also be represented with a new branch from SAFE Credit Union, a Folsom-based institution that will expand its footprint within the city. The branch is expected to open in spring 2027 and will serve residents in the growing Folsom Ranch area, complementing SAFE’s headquarters and other local branches.
Previously announced tenants include Paris Baguette, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Next Health and Nail Chateau II, which will open a second location in the Folsom Ranch area. In addition, leasing materials indicate space designated for a national Mexican restaurant chain, along with other retail and service-oriented businesses.
The development’s layout includes four drive-thru restaurant pads, along with 389 parking spaces to accommodate visitors. Plans also incorporate DC fast-charging stations for electric vehicles and outdoor gathering areas within the center.
Alder Creek Marketplace is being developed by Hunter Partners, the Cupertino-based firm responsible for nearby The Shops at Folsom Ranch. The new center is located directly west of that
project and is intended to expand the commercial footprint serving the Folsom Ranch community.
Additional space within the center has been identified for a future national bank tenant and a dental office, further diversifying the mix of services planned for the site.
If current timelines hold, the first tenants at Alder Creek Marketplace are expected to begin opening in the first half of 2027, marking another step in the continued development of Folsom’s south side.
Article appears courtesy of Folsom Times. https://folsomtimes.com
A MESSAGE FROM SARAH AQUINO
COUNCIL MEMBER, DISTRICT 3
Hello and happy summer!!
Construction of the Regency Trails is substantially complete and includes paving, striping, signage, and bollards. The trails are open for your enjoyment!
Construction of the Mangini Ranch trails is ongoing. Most trail segments have been paved, with final striping, signage, and post-and-cable railing still to be installed. Concrete work, including new ADA ramps at Savannah Parkway, Westwood Drive, and Southpointe Drive are all being added as well.
The White Rock Road Class I Trail project is scheduled to be advertised for construction in May with construction likely beginning this summer. The trail is anticipated to be completed and open to the public in Spring 2027.
I’ve had many conversations with city staff about the landscaping along Alder Creek Parkway and Grand Prairie Loop in Russell Ranch as I don’t believe it reflects our standards as a city. Staff has been evaluating soil conditions and testing has shown that the soil is low in nitrogen and organic matter, high in magnesium, and has poor structure which limits drainage and water retention. We are currently working with the city’s landscape contractor on a multi-year plan to
improve the soil to support future planting. Thank you for your patience as we work to beautify this area.
As you enjoy this gorgeous weather, please remember that dogs are required to be leashed at all times on public property except at the dog park. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with your questions, comments, or concerns at(916)798-5380orsaquino@folsom. ca.us.
Sarah Aquino Councilmember, District 3
A COLORFUL HOLI CELEBRATION IN FOLSOM RANCH
― SHIVANI SHAH ―
This spring, the spirit of togetherness and vibrant celebration came alive in Folsom Ranch as residents gathered for a spectacular Holi event hosted by Ahrash Zamanian. Known as the festival of colors, Holi brought families, friends, and neighbors together for an afternoon filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
From the moment guests arrived, they were welcomed into a beautifully curated space styled by Wows Forever. The décor captured the essence of Holi—bright, festive, and full of life— setting the perfect backdrop for a day of celebration. Every detail, from colorful accents to thoughtfully designed gathering areas, created an inviting and joyful atmosphere for attendees of all ages.
Music and entertainment played a central role in energizing the crowd. A lively DJ kept the beats going, drawing both kids and adults to the dance floor. The celebration was elevated further by captivating live performances from singers Suraj Jolly and Paro, whose voices added a dynamic and soulful touch to the festivities. Their performances brought the community together, with many joining in to sing and dance along.
One of the most memorable highlights of the event was the rain dance experience, made possible with the special support of the Folsom Fire Department. Their participation added an exciting and refreshing twist, delighting guests as they danced under sprays of water—an experience that perfectly complemented the colorful spirit of Holi.
Beyond the music, colors, and entertainment, the event truly embodied the essence of community. Families connected, children played freely, and neighbors strengthened bonds in a setting filled with joy and positivity. It was a beautiful reminder of the diversity and unity that make Folsom Ranch such a special place to live.
A heartfelt thank‑you goes out to Ahrash Zamanian for hosting this incredible celebration, to Wows Forever for the stunning event styling, to the talented performers and DJ for keeping the energy alive, and to the Folsom Fire Department for creating a one‑of‑a‑kind experience for all attendees.
As the colors settled and the day came to a close, one thing was clear—this Holi celebration will be remembered as a vibrant and meaningful gathering that brought the Folsom Ranch community closer together.
LEADING WITHHEART
In the heart of Folsom Ranch, where new neighborhoods are growing and families are putting down roots, two familiar names in education continue to shape the community in meaningful ways, Canen and Aimee Peterson. Their story is one of connection, commitment, and a shared belief that relationships are at the center of everything that matters.
Aimee Peterson is truly a product of Folsom. Raised in the community and educated through Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD), she grew up alongside her two younger brothers, who still live nearby, as do her parents, Paul and Laurie Dutra. Her deep roots in Folsom have given her a unique
perspective, she’s not only teaching the next generation, she’s giving back to the very community that shaped her.
Canen Peterson’s journey began in Redding, California, where he was raised with one older and one younger brother. His parents, Cliff and Glinda Peterson, still reside there. While their upbringings were rooted in different Northern California communities, fate brought Canen and Aimee together during college at California State University, Chico. What began as a friendly connection quickly grew into something more. After four years of dating, they became engaged in 1999 and married in 2000, eventually making Folsom their home.
Aimee recalls her first impression of Canen vividly: “He was charming, funny, and so easy to talk to. But more than anything, I noticed his heart right away.” Their first date on a rainy January day marked the beginning of a partnership that has now spanned decades.
Both Canen and Aimee have dedicated their professional lives to education within FCUSD, each building impactful careers that have touched countless students, families, and staff.
Canen began his teaching career in 2000 at Gold Ridge Elementary, where he taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades. His natural leadership and passion for connection led him into administration, first serving as a principal at Natoma Station Elementary, and later at Theodore Judah Elementary. During his time at Theodore Judah, he played a pivotal role in launching the Gateway Academy, helping grow the school from approximately 250 to 600 students. After
leaving Theodore Judah he continued his leadership journey at White Rock Elementary in Rancho Cordova where he quickly learned that when you lead with compassion and truly see the needs of every child, your purpose deepens and in many ways, your heart grows twice as big.
In 2021, Canen had the unique honor of opening Mangini Ranch Elementary, the first school in the Folsom Ranch area. What began with approximately 322 students has since grown to nearly 644, reflecting both the rapid growth of the area and the strength of the school community he helped build. For Canen, opening a brand-new school was more than a professional milestone, it was a dream realized. When asked about the key to his success, his answer is simple yet powerful: relationships. “It’s about making everyone you meet feel like they matter,” he says. “Because to me, they really do.”
Aimee’s path in education began in 2003 at Sandra J. Gallardo Elementary, where she taught kindergarten. When FCUSD introduced Transitional Kindergarten (TK), she embraced the opportunity to be part of something new, moving to Blanche Sprentz Elementary where she taught TK for 12 years. Today, she continues that work at Alder Creek Elementary, where she helped open the second new school in the Folsom Ranch area. With 22 years in education, Aimee brings both experience and heart to her classroom and each day.
Her teaching philosophy mirrors the life she leads: connection first. She believes that children learn best when they feel seen, valued, and safe. It’s a belief that
aligns seamlessly with Canen’s leadership approach, making their shared work in education both a professional and personal partnership.
Outside of school, the Petersons cherish time spent together with family and friends. They love to travel, whether it’s relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii and Mexico, exploring Costa Rica, or enjoying the beauty of California’s mountains and coastlines.
When it comes to advice for the next generation, their words reflect the values they live by. Aimee shares, “Be kind and thoughtful with others’ hearts. At the end of the day, in both life and career, people may forget what you said or even what you did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.”
Canen echoes that sentiment, adding, “Relationships matter in all aspects of your life. In a world full of technology, our greatest learning and joy come from connecting with one another. Real connections happen face to face.”
As Folsom Ranch continues to grow, so does the impact of educators like Canen and Aimee Peterson. Through classrooms, campuses, and everyday interactions, they are helping shape not just students, but a stronger, more connected community.
And in a world that often moves too fast, their story is a reminder that what matters most is simple: relationships, connection, and the people we share life with along the way.
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 ISU
Insurance Services - Atwood Agency (Serving Northern California since 1919) California Insurance License #0452737
The Folsom Parks and Recreation Department has completed community outreach and engagement for the Master Plan design for the next park in Folsom Ranch, officially adopting the name Jackrabbit Hill Park.
The park will have a nature theme focusing on native animals, trees, floral and fauna, with some natural play elements as well as a focus on making the playground more accessible and inclusive. Some of these changes include more pour in place ground and less of the play bark, adaptive swings, and ideally, a quiet area for a family to help guide an overstimulated child in privacy and with dignity.
This park will include pickleball courts, separate playgrounds for younger and older children, a large grassy sports field, a basketball court, a small stage for community theater or local music, an adjoining plaza, fitness stations along the park trail, a passive overlook space, a bathroom and parking lot entrance on Rock Springs Drive.
The park is expected to go to bid in spring 2027 and construction is expected to be complete in or around July 2028.
email your local Parks commissioner, Alayna Wagner at: alaynajwagner@gmail.com
If you would like to share your thoughts about accessible and inclusive play, or any other item about this park, please
EMERGENCY CONTACTS & IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Join the Rave! (Smart 911)
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 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.
Rave Smart911 provides voice messages regarding emergencies, including at-risk missing persons, evacuation routes, and other public safety emergency information.
(916) 461- 6325
(916) 355- 7231
(916) 983-7400
(844) 244- 5935
(800) 222- 1222
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/
REMEMBER - Report non-emergency maintenance issues to the City of Folsom with customer service tool www.SeeClickFix.com
