Spotlight on Lake Natoma Night Paddle
Happenings around Folsom and beyond
Photo credit: Kevin Charles
The gateway to Folsom
Spotlight
Lake Natoma Night Paddle
It seems like it has been 104 degrees every single day for the last 150 or so… and sitting inside is getting boring. It’s a strange phenomenon, but if you get out on the water, all of that heat goes away - or at least it gets bearable. We’ve taken to going out on Lake Natoma in the evenings for a nice paddle, launching around 7 or so. There aren’t as many people out there as there are during the day. The sun isn’t as punishing and the atmosphere is just… fun!
There are three launch sites that we use. One is Black Miners Bar. (Another perk for going late is that there is no parking fee.) There is also Willow Creek and, if you want to go to the other side of the lake, you can launch over by the Sac State Aquatic Center off Hazel. We usually go to Black Miners Bar. We go out for 60 to 90 minutes this time of year because we don’t have lights for our SUPs and kayaks, yet. It’s just about getting dark when we get back so it’s perfect, and the parking lot is open until 10. It’s an awesome way to get some exercise, see Folsom from a different angle, stay cool and play with your friends all at the same time.
But what if you don’t have a kayak or SUP? Well, SUP California is here for you! They rent both kayaks and SUPs; they teach you how to set them up and they even provide all the straps and soft racks you need to be able to transport your SUP or kayak safely. And they teach you how to do it yourself, so you feel comfortable bringing the boards back. If you want to go out at night, it’s no problem because they have an overnight rate. So, what’s your excuse now?
Get out of the heat! Take your family or friends out on an epic evening paddle on Lake Natoma. We’re awfully lucky to have places like this in our backyard to go play.
SUP California
13385 Folsom Blvd Suite 400,
Folsom, CA 95630
916 294 0048
Newsworthy
El Dorado Hills firefighters have reported an uptick in fires started by residential barbecues. I honestly did not know this, but, according to the Folsom Telegraph, “when it comes to barbecues, fires can break out on a nearby structure that is too close to the grilling unit and falls victim to radiant heat that can melt or ignite combustible materials such as window trims, railing and wall coverings.” So, in addition to watching those embers near vegetation, we all need to watch the house next door to make sure we’re not melting it.
Don’t miss Pippin at the Sutter Street Theater through August 21! What is Pippin, you ask? So did I. According to this article in Village Life, “‘Pippin’ is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great).” I guess you gotta dispose of the old man if you’re going to find glory in intrigues of political power. Folsom’s production is directed and choreographed by Devin LePage with musical direction by David Williams.
As part of Folsom’s Community Service Day, according to the City of Folsom website, there will be a special category of The Neighbors Helping Seniors Initiative. If you know a senior that is in need of some assistance, like gutter cleaning, weeding and pruning, painting, and other similar light maintenance and repair tasks you can submit their projects for the initiative volunteers to undertake. Find the online application and more information at www.folsomcommunityservice.org. Submissions run through August 12.
Hey! Did you know?
I have lived in Folsom for over 20 years (and I worked here even before that) and this little handy dandy guide for new residents still has stuff that I didn’t know. Did you know we have and arborist that is available to help residents find the right tree for their property? Or that the Folsom Police Department offers resources to assist families and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Down syndrome, autism, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities? Huh… Lots of stuff in here that’s news to me.
In 1850 a major flood forced people to temporarily move to safer ground (on what is now the CSUS campus); the flood led to fundraising for levees on the American and Sacramento Rivers. Then, in 1981 the American River was recognized as the most heavily used recreation river in California and designated a federal wild and scenic river from Nimbus Dam to the confluence with the Sacramento River. What happened in between? Find out in this chronology of the American River from the El Dorado County government pages.
Hap’nins
Burning Barrel Brewing Company is having a Year 4 Anniversary Party on Saturday, July 23rd, from 11a-10p at the Brewery! For the special occasion, they are teaming up with 4 breweries and other friends to bring you a varieties of goodies like food trucks, hot sauces and… beer slushies...?
From the Folsom Chamber: “Please join us for [Making Business Work] as we welcome you to the Greater Folsom Partnership, home of the Folsom Chamber, Folsom's Economic Development and the Folsom Tourism Bureau. The purpose is to acquaint new, prospective and current members with all three organizations of the Greater Folsom Partnership.” The event is on August 4 at 7:45 a.m.
Enjoy food (free!), music, and family-oriented activities and games at Stephen Harris Park in El Dorado Hills on July 27 starting at 5:00 p.m. This event will include free face painting & balloon animals.
On September 17 Placerville Speedway presents World Of Outlaws: NCDCA Dwarf Cars | Gold Rush Classic. See the rest of their 2022 schedule here.
… And stuff
Do you know where your high school class ring is? Dana Scott Laughlin did. For the last 50+ years she’s known that her ring was at the bottom of Lake Berryessa. She lost it swimming in 1969 at a graduation celebration. And that’s where Dirk and Kelli Byasee of Vacaville come in. With the lake level as low as it is, they were looking for fishing lures along the banks of Berryessa recently. “I flip over a rock and there it was," Dirk said. And now, thanks to some sleuthing through Facebook, the ring is on its way to Arkansas, which is where Laughlin is living today. I bet she loses it under the bed within the week.
Housekeeping
I have lots on my plate this weekend, so I’m going to skip the Sunday newsletter this week. But keep your eye out for a make-up newsletter in your inbox on Monday! See you then!