Steve Heard, Jeff Ferreira-Pro, Brian Smith, Sandy Zaboukos Jeff Moore, DeAnn Wren are 2024 recipients
It was a special night at city hall for six different residents Tuesday night as Folsom City Council recognized the recipients of the 2024 Spirit of Folsom Awards during its regular City Council meeting. The awards, which honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community, were presented to five winners, each named by a council member from their respective district after the community submitted nominations during the summer months.
The Spirit of Folsom Award program, established in January 2024, was designed to formalize the city’s efforts to highlight the service and dedication of those who have made a significant impact on the Folsom community. In July, the city opened nominations to the public, and each council member selected one recipient from their district. Nominees were required to be a resident, volunteer, employee of a Folsom business, or a student enrolled in a school within the city.
Jeff Ferreira-Pro was named a recipient by Mayor Mike Kozlowski for his historical contributions to the community. A longtime member of the Folsom Historical Society, now known better as Folsom History, Ferreiria-Pro has dedicated countless hours to preserving Folsom’s past and making sure its secured for those in the present and the future.
Brian Smith was selected as the Spirit Award winner by Vice Mayor Sarah Aquino. Smith is known in the community for his volunteer work and coaching, as well as for being a veteran who shares his knowledge of history with local students.
Steve Heard was nominated by Councilmember Rosario Rodriguez. Heard, a well-known realtor and Folsom resident, is a former Chamber Ambassador and Board President of Choose Folsom. He is always volunteering in the community and operates My Folsom, which keeps residents informed about upcoming events.
Sandy Zaboukos was nominated by Councilmember YK Chalamcherla. Zaboukos is known for her animal welfare philanthropy, spending a great deal of time locating stray pets—especially felines—and ensuring they are spayed, neutered, and in good health as she works to rehome or relocate them.
DeAnn Wren was also nominated by Chalamcherla for similar contributions. Wren is well known across the community as the unofficial “lost dog finder,” responding to reports of lost pets and helping to reunite them with their owners. Wren was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting in person.
Councilmember Anna Rohrbough announced Jeff Moore as the winner in her district. Rohrbough was absent Tuesday night, so Chalamcherla presented Moore with the award. Moore was nominated and selected for his volunteer efforts, military service, and involvement with various community initiatives, including his work with the Folsom Veterans Hall.
Each nominee was considered based on their commitment to the Folsom community, which includes creating, developing, or supporting activities and services that significantly impact the quality of life in the city. The criteria for the Spirit of Folsom nominees include addressing community needs, improving local neighborhoods or schools, and making a positive impact on Folsom as a whole.
Nominees may also contribute to public safety, environmental stewardship, social and humanitarian efforts, the preservation of arts and culture, and Folsom’s heritage. Demonstrating a commitment to youth and recreation, especially through sports and coaching, and fostering collaboration and partnership within the community are also key factors. Finally, efforts aimed at enhancing Folsom’s economic development are considered in the selection process.
The City of Folsom plans to make the awards an annual event.
