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Is it just us, or does everyone seem a bit more relaxed once patio season hits? We have been loving the warm evenings lately, especially when it means skipping the kitchen duties and grabbing takeout from a great local spot on Iron Point Road. Our community thrives because of the people and small businesses that call this place home, and we love highlighting them every single week.

This issue features a few excellent hidden gems and some easy ways to get involved in our neighborhoods. Thanks for opening up your inbox to us today.

Folsom Wants Your Ideas for Community Service Day

The Gist: The 13th annual Community Service Day is set for Saturday, Sept. 19, and the city is now accepting project proposals from residents. Hundreds of volunteers will fan out across Folsom to tackle dozens of service projects that leave a real mark on the community. Got a spot that needs some love?

Why It Matters: Your idea could become one of this year's signature projects, shaping the neighborhoods where people live and gather.

What's Next: Submit a project proposal by Friday, June 26 at folsom.ca.us/communityserviceday or call Jen Thiot at 916-461-6712.

Folsom Sets the Budget: Have Your Say Before It's Final

The Gist: The Folsom City Council met Tuesday, June 9 to hold a public hearing and vote on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating and Capital Budgets. The proposed budget lays out the city's spending priorities starting July 1, covering everything that keeps Folsom running.

Why It Matters: The annual budget shapes city services, infrastructure, and programs that touch every resident's daily life.

Thai comfort food with real warmth

157 Iron Point Road, Folsom, CA

Tong Thai Bistro is one of those places that feels especially good when nobody wants to cook, but everyone still wants something with flavor. It is a locally owned, family-operated Thai restaurant in Folsom, and the whole place leans into fresh ingredients, original recipes, and food made with care.

The menu covers the usual Thai comfort zone in the best way: curries, noodles, stir-fries, and rice plates that work for both quick takeout and a slower sit-down dinner. It is the kind of spot you keep in mind when you want something dependable, cozy, and a little more interesting than the easy default.

Sometimes the best local restaurants are the ones that do not need a lot of explaining. You just go once, find your order, and start recommending it.

A boutique with a personal touch

6610 Auburn Folsom Road, Suite 4, Folsom, CA

LanChic Boutique brings a nice little fashion stop to the Folsom Pavilions side of town. The shop focuses on women’s clothing and accessories, with a mix of on-trend and timeless pieces, plus personal styling if you want a second set of eyes before committing to the outfit.

What makes it feel worth mentioning is the tone of the place. Owner Svetlana Dobynes has talked about wanting women to feel welcome, confident, and cared for when they shop, and that is exactly the kind of small-business energy that tends to stick.

If you like finding pieces that feel pulled together without looking like everyone else’s closet, this is an easy place to know about.

✈ Insider Travel

Skip the Resort. Stay in a Centuries-Old Sicilian Village Instead.

Casa Gratteri offers beautifully restored homes in Gratteri, a hidden mountain town in Sicily with sweeping views, deep history, and zero crowds. Full concierge service, a private chef on request, and modern finishes throughout. This is the kind of trip people talk about for the rest of their lives.

Casa Gratteri, Sicily

Insider Newsletter approved. ✓

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🎬 Kids Markets at Folsom's Family Movie Night | Andy Morin Sports Complex | Folsom | 06/19 | More
Young vendors, a family movie, and an easy Friday night.

🎪 Summer Concert Series | El Dorado Hills Community Park | El Dorado Hills | 06/19 | More
Free live music under the stars, bring lawn chairs and dancing shoes.

🌺 Father's Day Hawaiian Luau | Gilmore Senior Center | El Dorado Hills | 06/19 | More
A festive island-themed celebration honoring the dads in your community.

🐱 Kitten Yoga | YogaSix | El Dorado Hills | 06/20 | More
Flow through a gentle class surrounded by adorable, purring kittens.

🍪 Summerween Cookie Decorating! | Painted. Studios | Folsom | 06/23 | More
Spooky-summer cookie art class with festive designs and sweet good vibes.

🌳 Park Party | Murray Homestead Park | El Dorado Hills | 06/24 | More
Games, BBQ, and free family fun at a beloved neighborhood park.

👀 TGIF Early Show at Powerhouse | Powerhouse Pub | Folsom | 06/19 | More
Epic gets Friday started before the late crowd takes over.

🎸 Bluesoul Acoustic @ Brickyard EDH | Brickyard Counter & Bar | El Dorado Hills | 06/19 | More
Soulful acoustic blues perfect for a relaxed Friday evening on the waterfront.

Steve Mahoney & Friends at Frends Folsom | Frends Brewhouse Folsom | Folsom | 06/20 | More
High-energy singer-songwriter rock perfect for a fun, all-ages Saturday night.

🎤 Tyler Rich | Folsom Hotel Saloon | Folsom | 06/20 | More
Heartfelt country songwriting delivered live in an intimate saloon setting.

🎶 Madison Hudson at Crawdads on the Lake | Crawdads on the Lake | Folsom | 06/20 | More
Live music by the water usually does the job.

𝄞 Live On The Boulevard | Marshall Amphitheater | El Dorado Hills | 06/25 | More
A free Thursday concert with a full Town Center crowd.

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