New Folsom Bridge
The City Council certified the environmental documents
for the new Folsom Bridge below the dam at the
September 12 Council meeting. The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers is expected to certify the environmental
impact report in October and issue a record of decision
soon after. Once that happens, the Army Corps will
select a contractor and construction should begin in
winter 2007. The project is on an accelerated timetable
for opening in December 2008.
The new bridge will have four lanes for traffic plus
bike lanes. It will connect East Natoma Street and
Folsom-Auburn Road.
Folsom

History
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park along the American River.Folsom started as a small
town called Granite City, mostly occupied by gold miners seeking fortune in the Sierra Nevada
foothills. Though few amassed a great deal of wealth, the city prospered due to the Joseph
1855, the town was later renamed to Folsom in his honor. The railway was abandoned in the
1950's[verification needed] but later opened up as the terminus of the Gold Line of
Sacramento Regional Transit District's light rail service. A few former gold-rush era towns are
located within city limits of Folsom, including Prairie City, and Mormon Island.

Folsom Prison was established in 1880, when the Livermore family made an agreement with
the state to donate land for the prison in exchange for prison labor. Their plan was to build a
hydro- electric dam from the American River for a sawmill. Though the sawmill did not work out,
the Livermores soon realized that the natural force of running water could provide enough
power to transmit to Sacramento, and the Folsom Powerhouse, now a National Historic
Landmark, was opened. At the time it was opened, it had the longest overhead run of
electricity (22 miles) in  Folsom Dam was built in 1956, providing much-needed flood control
and water rights for the Sacramento Valley. The creation of this dam also created one of the
most popular lakes in Northern California, Folsom Lake.

measures that can be done to eliminate or reduce this threat. With several hundred thousand
residents directly surrounding the American River, the possibility of an attack on Folsom Dam
was great enough concern for Bureau officials to close down access to the road which went
over the dam.

Unfortunately for Folsom residents, this Dam Road was a major artery in the city. With its
closure, traffic has been severe during rush hour times, and businesses along the snarled
traffic areas have suffered. Residents and Folsom officials alike have been calling for re-
opening the Dam Road in some venue. This effort has been successful, as the road will be re-
opened during commute hours for a toll.

A bridge to bypass the road is in the works and may be open as early as 2007.
Today, Folsom is most known as being a popular middle-class suburb, with abundant parks,
good schools, and a strong community. Folsom is home to Folsom Lake College, Folsom Dam,
Folsom Lake, and a charming historic district. Folsom is also home to the largest employer in
the Sacramento area, Intel. The population was 51,884 at the 2000 census.


Geography
Folsom is located at 38°40′20″N, 121°9′28″W (38.672127, -121.157838)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 62.6 km² (24.2 mi²).
56.3 km² (21.7 mi²) of it is land and 6.3 km² (2.4 mi²) of it (10.09%) is water, primarily
accounted for by Folsom Lake.

Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 51,884 people, 17,196 households, and 12,518
families residing in the city. The population density was 921.5/km² (2,386.7/mi²). There were
17,968 housing units at an average density of 319.1/km² (826.5/mi²). The racial makeup of
the city was 77.89% White, 5.99% African American, 0.58% Native American, 7.19% Asian,
0.19% Pacific Islander, 4.71% from other races, and 3.43% from two or more races. Hispanic
or Latino of any race were 9.47% of the population.

There were 17,196 households out of which 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living
with them, 61.7% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with
no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 21.8% of all households were made up of
individuals and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average
household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the city the population was spread out with 24.2% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to
24, 39.0% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older.
The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 123.4 males. For every 100
females age 18 and over, there were 131.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $73,175, and the median income for a
family was $82,448. Males had a median income of $60,616 versus $42,434 for females. The
per capita income for the city was $30,210. About 2.6% of families and 7.3% of the population
were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65
or over.

Landmarks
Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
Folsom State Prison
Rainbow Bridge
Folsom Dam
Folsom Lake College
Historic Sutter Street

Shopping
Historic Sutter Street
Folsom’s original downtown, this nostalgic boulevard of gold rush era structures contains 75
truly “one of a kind” restaurants, antique stores, collectible shops, art galleries, gift shops,
specialty shops museums, historic sites and personal services purveyors. In a world filled with
cookie-cut merchandise, Sutter Street provides a mix of locally crafted and personally collected
items of special character including: the oldest Christmas store in the West, a pottery shop
whose kiln is right across the street (you can see fine porcelain being made), art galleries of
special distinction (with changing exhibits) and several collectible and antique stores.

Folsom Premium Outlets
Whether you're updating your wardrobe or adding new accents to your home, a trip to Folsom
Premium Outlets is always an exciting adventure in bargain hunting. Folsom Premium Outlets is
home to a distinctive collection of brands, making a visit both fun and a rewarding shopping
experience. Folsom Premium Outlets offers an exciting collection of 80 outlets stores including
Off 5th-Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Bass, Bebe, Bose, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Eddie
Bauer, Gap Outlet, Harry & David, Kenneth Cole, Le Gourmet Chef, Limited Too, Liz Claiborne,
Motherhood Maternity, Nike Factory Store, Samsonite, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Van
Heusen, Vans, Waterford Wedgwood, Wilsons Leather Outlet, Zales Outlet, Zumiez and much
more.
Please visit www.premiumoutlets.com/folsom for directions and hours.

East Bidwell, Blue Ravine and Riley Streets
East Bidwell, Blue Ravine and Riley Streets are where much of Folsom’s mercantile action
occurs. The streets are lined with many of America’s best-known names in fashion, gifts, home
furnishings, sporting goods and retailing. So, no matter what you may have left at home or
want to return with, it’s probably for sale on or near East Bidwell, Blue Ravine or Riley.

Broadstone
Highway 50/East Bidwell Street/Broadstone Area Power center of retailers including Home
Depot, Marshalls, Ross, Cost Plus, Linens & Things, and Borders. There are also many specialty
stores, Bel Air Market, Longs and warehouse clubs such as Costco and Sams Club.

Recreation
Folsom and the surrounding area has boundless recreational activities from water sports to
casual trails for enjoying nature along the American River Parkway. Here are just a few of the
opportunities:

American River – Fishing, rowing, strolling, kayaking, swimming, picnicking and more…
Few communities have as beautiful a river running through it as does Folsom with the
American River. Three architecturally interesting bridges span a section where eddies swirl
around large boulders, pine and oak trees grow along its banks and wildlife is attracted to the
river as are picnickers, cyclists, swimmers, fishermen, equestrians and rowers. A 32-mile paved
path travels from Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake to Sacramento. From Folsom to Nimbus Dam, the
bike path circles Lake Natoma crossing the Historic Stell Truss Bridge along a leisurely, scenic
10-mile loop. This trail passes through riparian woodlands as it travels next to peaceful Lake
Natoma. Favorite stops include the CSUS Aquatic Center www.csusaquaticcenter.com, the
Nimbus Salmon and Steelhead Fish Hatchery and Historic Sutter Street www.visithistoricfolsom.
com.

Folsom Lake SRA  - water skiing, sailing, swimming, fishing – The Folsom Lake State
Recreation area is one of the most visited units in the California State Park system. The lake
offers all kinds of water recreation including fishing, water skiing, sailing and more. There is a
campground at the Beal’s Point access, which also has a boat ramp, beach and picnic area. A
large marina is located at Brown’s Ravine in El Dorado County and Granite Bay in Placer County
has a large sandy beach, launch ramps and boat rental concessions.  Visit Folsom Lake
online.   

Kayaking – The American River is a joy to kayak. All abilities from beginner to advanced can be
found on the river. For a natural experience, the Lake Natoma area offers a serene setting.
Upriver from Coloma to Folsom Lake offer thrilling and scenic intermediate to advanced
kayaking.

Cycling –
Folsom has a vast network of bike and foot trails in the Willow Creek Parkway. A BMX track is
located at the Cummings Family Park. With the quick access to the 32-mile American River
Parkway trail, the cycling options are vast.

Golf – Folsom’s Empire Ranch Golf Course offers 18 holes, 6,668 yards, par 72. It is located at
1620 E. Natoma St., (916) 817-8110. Another nearby course is the El Dorado Hills Golf Course
which has 18 holes, 4,012 yards, par 72 located at 3775 El Dorado Hills Blvd., El Dorado Hills
(916) 933-6552.

Horseback Riding – Ride on a trail once used by the Pony Express riders. Guided rides can be
taken from Shadow Glen Riding Stables, 4854 Main Ave., Orangevale, (916) 989-1826. The
stables also offers sunset, moonlight and overnight rides around Lake Natoma.

Off-road Vehicle/Motocross – Motocross bikes, ATV’s and 4WD vehicles scramble across the
Prairie City Vehicular Recreation Area located just south of Folsom. Prairie City offers
enthusiasts a variety of interesting terrain and trails. The park is located at 13300 White Rock
Rd., Rancho Cordova, (916) 985-7378.

Parks and Recreation – The City of Folsom has many recreational facilities including the Aquatic
Center featuring an Olympic swimming pool, water slide, diving boards, spas and picnic areas.
The city also has a skate park, BMX track and the famous Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. For
information on these facilities, please click here to see more

Whitewater rafting – Folsom is the place to stay when rafting the American River. Numerous
guide services put in a half-hour’s drive from Folsom near Coloma and Lotus. Thrilling half-day
and all day Class III and IV whitewater adventures are available.

Government
County of Sacramento Representatives
Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan
700 H Street, Suite 2450
Sacramento CA 95814    
macglashanr@saccounty.net
(916) 874-5491    
(916) 874-7593 FAX


City of Folsom Representatives
Folsom City Council
50 Natoma St.
Folsom 95630
Mayor Andy Morin   
themayor@folsom.ca.us
Eric King
Vice Mayor
Kerri Howell
Steve Miklos
Jeff Starsky

Folsom Cordova School Board
125 E. Bidwell St.
Folsom 95630
Teresa Stanley
Sara Meyers  
Mary McCormick
Richard Shaw  
Ed Short

Utilities
All public services included water, sewer, garbage collection in addition to fire and police
protection are provided by the city of Folsom.

Here are city phone numbers:
355-7200 – Folsom City Hall
355-7285 – Parks and Recreation
984-2280 – Folsom Fire Department (non-emergency)
355-7230 – Folsom Police Department (non-emergency)
911 – EMERGENCY
355-8395 – Folsom Stage Lines (bus service)

Electrical service is provided by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)
(888) 742-7683
Natural gas is provided by Pacific Gas and Electric
(800) 743-7683
Telephone service is SBC/ATT
(800) 310-2355

Public school district is the Folsom Cordova Unified School District
355-1100
Folsom Lake College
608-6500

Medical facilities
Kaiser Permanente
817-5000
Mercy Hospital of Folsom
983-7400

Other numbers
355-7373 - Folsom Library
985-2707 – Folsom History Museum
985-2698 – Folsom Chamber of Commerce
About Folsom
916-787-1212
916-787-1212
Roseville Real Estate
Dennis Stettner
Your site for Real Estate in Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Folsom,
Fair Oaks,Sacramento and surrounding communities. Including
information and homes for sale in Placer County, Sacramento
County and El Dorado County.
© 2006 - 2007 Roseville Real Estate™ All Rights Reserved.