As a co-founder of what has now become a top online resource for Folsom’s community news, it is with immense gratitude and admiration that I reflect on a milestone week for the City of Folsom. Over the past few days, our community celebrated the retirements of three remarkable individuals who have dedicated their careers to serving this city with unwavering commitment and passion: City Manager Elaine Andersen, Assistant Fire Chief Chad Wilson, and Police Lieutenant Chris Emery.
These three leaders have not only left indelible marks on the city and its residents but have also been invaluable partners to Folsom Times. Their professionalism, transparency, and collaboration have played a crucial role in ensuring that our community remains informed and engaged. As a local news agency, our relationship with city leaders, first responders, public officials, and elected representatives is paramount. Trust is the foundation of this partnership—trust that allows us to ask questions, share vital updates, and provide the transparency our readers deserve. Thanks to the efforts of these remarkable individuals, we have been able to uphold this trust and serve our community with integrity and dedication.
Elaine Andersen, as City Manager, brought a steady hand and leadership to Folsom. Over her tenure, she oversaw numerous initiatives that have shaped the city’s growth and prosperity. Elaine’s ability to navigate complex challenges while keeping the community’s best interests at heart has been truly inspiring. Her support of Folsom Times was marked by open communication and mutual respect, which greatly enhanced our ability to inform and connect with our readers. As Elaine steps into retirement, we congratulate her on a remarkable career and wish her a well-deserved chapter of relaxation and fulfillment.
Assistant Fire Chief Chad Wilson’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to protecting lives and property in Folsom. Chad’s leadership in the Folsom Fire Department and his commitment to safety have been a cornerstone of our community’s well-being. From his calm demeanor during emergencies to his role in community outreach, Chad exemplified what it means to be a public servant. His willingness to work closely with Folsom Times allowed us to highlight the vital work of our fire department, ensuring that residents understood the challenges and triumphs faced by those on the front lines. Chad, we thank you for your service and wish you nothing but joy and relaxation in your next chapter.
Lastly, Lieutenant Chris Emery’s retirement from the Folsom Police Department is both a celebration and a bittersweet moment for our community. Chris’s decades of service to public safety were defined by his dedication, integrity, and a profound sense of duty. Whether leading investigations or fostering community trust, Chris’s impact will be felt for years to come. His openness and willingness to share insights with Folsom Times enriched our reporting and deepened our readers’ understanding of law enforcement’s vital role. Chris, congratulations on your retirement, and may the road ahead bring you peace and new adventures.
As these three extraordinary individuals embark on their well-deserved retirements, we extend our deepest gratitude for their contributions to Folsom and their partnership with Folsom Times. Their legacies are woven into the fabric of our city, and their efforts have paved the way for future leaders to follow.
Thank you, Elaine, Chad, and Chris, for your service, your trust, and your friendship. Your commitment to our city and its people has made Folsom a better place, and we at Folsom Times are honored to have had the privilege of working alongside you. Enjoy every moment of retirement—you’ve earned it.
This week also marked another important moment in Folsom’s history: the swearing in of two new City Council members, Justin Raithel and Barbara Leary, and bidding farewell to longtime members YK Chalamcherla and Rosario Rodriguez. The transition reflects the ongoing evolution of leadership that continues to shape our city’s future.
Justin Raithel and Barbara Leary bring fresh perspectives and a shared dedication to the growth and well-being of our community. Their commitment to addressing Folsom’s challenges and opportunities will undoubtedly benefit residents for years to come. As they take on their new roles, we at Folsom Times look forward to reporting on their efforts to guide our city forward.
As we welcome Justin and Barbara, we also take a moment to honor the contributions of YK Chalamcherla and Rosario Rodriguez. YK’s leadership and commitment to innovation have left a lasting impression on our city. Rosario’s dedication to community engagement and advocacy has enriched the lives of countless residents. Both leaders have been instrumental in fostering a spirit of collaboration and progress within Folsom.
Folsom Times is deeply grateful for the open communication and mutual respect we have shared with YK and Rosario over the years. Their willingness to engage with the media and provide insights has been critical in keeping our readers informed and engaged. As they step away from their roles, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for their next endeavors.
We also extend our best wishes to Rosario, who will now join the Sacramento Board of Supervisors after being elected this past year, and to YK, who will move on to be a member of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District Board. Both of them will bring great insight and qualities to these new roles. As your number one online community news resource for the Folsom area, we look forward to working with these different leaders and bringing you the news on what they are doing for our communities ahead.
To everyone mentioned here and those that work with them and around them within our city and county services, thank you for your service to Folsom. We look forward to supporting and reporting on the work all of you provide to our community into its next chapter.
Bill Sullivan is the co-owner and managing publisher of Folsom Times, an All Town Media LLC online publication that was named the Emerging Business of the Year in 2023 by Choose Folsom. He is a 31-time California News Publishers (CNPA) award recipient and. You can reach him at bill@folsomtimes.com.