Springing towards normality

Warm and sunny days, baseball practices in the parks, and busy bike trails mean spring has sprung in Folsom. Life is feeling a little more like "normal," and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. COVID-19 case numbers are stabilizing, the vaccination rollout is gaining speed, eligibility is expanding, and federal financial assistance for cities, including Folsom, is on the way, thanks to the American Rescue Plan. Since my last Telegraph commentary, Sacramento County moved out of the most restrictive Purple Tier to the Red Tier within California's four-tier, color-coded Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This move eased restrictions on indoor dining, gyms, retail establishments, museums, aquariums, and movie theaters. Like many businesses and organizations, the city is in the process of adapting our operations based on recent changes in public health orders, including expanding our programs and services to the community. We have reopened the Andy Morin Sports Complex at 10 percent capacity. The Folsom Public Library is open for "Grab and Go" services, allowing for quick and safe visits to browse and pick up hold items. The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary and Folsom Skate and Bike Park are open, and the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center is available for lap swim. I sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we reopen safely, carefully, and thoughtfully. For the latest update on City of Folsom programs, services, and amenities, visit www.folsom.ca.us/covid-19. While we respond to the pandemic's ongoing challenges, we continue to provide the best level of service to the community while also planning for the future. We recently held a virtual community meeting for the Highway 50/Empire Ranch Roach Interchange Project. The City of Folsom, in cooperation with Caltrans, is proposing a new interchange on the Sacramento County/El Dorado County line, between the existing East Bidwell Street interchange in Folsom and the Latrobe Road interchange in El Dorado Hills. Currently, the project is in the preliminary design and environmental phase, which is expected to be complete by the summer of 2021. Once the environmental document is approved, the final design will begin with construction anticipated to start in 2025 at the earliest. This spring, we'll see progress on the Capital SouthEast Connector project-- a 34-mile expressway that will serve as a commute alternative to Highways 50 and 99 by linking I-5 and Highway 99 south of Elk Grove to Highway 50 east of El Dorado Hills. Construction begins this month on a segment of the project that will extend from Prairie City Road to E. Bidwell Street. The project will include a four-lane bridge over Alder Creek and segments of White Rock Road will be realigned and widened. This spring, we are considering how to best use the city-owned retail space in Folsom's Historic District, located on the ground floor of the parking garage at 905 Leidesdorff Street. The 3,700-square-foot space is currently unoccupied and zoned for commercial uses. We are encouraging the community to attend a virtual workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 15 to learn more about the property, ask questions, and provide ideas and input. Information gathered will be reported back to the Folsom City Council to assist them in making their final decision as to the future use of the space. We're also seeking input about project needs for this year's Community Service Day planned for Saturday, September 18. A virtual community brainstorming meeting will be held Thursday, April 8, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. to identify community needs and potential Community Service Day projects. Community needs, project ideas, and project proposals can also be submitted online at www.folsomcommunityservice.org. Last, but certainly not least, we start a new chapter in Folsom's history book this month— the City of Folsom's 75thanniversary. This spring, we will commemorate the milestone and celebrate our rich history. Details will be announced in several weeks. Stay informed at www.folsom.ca.us. Please continue to stay informed, be safe, be well, and continue to care for our community. As always, I welcome your comments, suggestions, and feedback at eandersen@folsom.ca.us. Elaine Andersen is the City Manager of Folsom.