Good morning, Folsom.

SAFE Credit Union of Folsom and Washington-based BECU announced they will merge to form the nation’s fourth largest credit union — the deal is expected to close early 2027 and serve 1.8 million members with more than $33 billion in assets.

BECU’s CEO Beverly Anderson will lead the combined union while SAFE’s president Faye Nabhani will serve as market president for the Greater Sacramento Region.

City officials and Folsom Police leadership held a ceremony Tuesday inside the training room to welcome Officer Lauren Kroeger and three new hires—Community Service Officer Megan Kirkpatrick, Dispatcher I Lydia Cahill and part-time Crime Analyst Diana Falkenstein—after a strong recruitment effort praised by Interim Police Chief Randy Ulibarri.

Folsom City Council approved renaming Folsom Kids Play Park as Castle Park and authorized funds to rebuild the aging playground at 201 Prewett Drive near Oak Chan Elementary School.

The new playground will include a custom play structure + improved safety features and is expected to open in April after a community-build week in March if weather permits.

Data from the North State Building Industry Association showed 507 new homes sold in October in the Sacramento area, marking an 18 percent rise from September and only a 5 percent drop compared to last October.

Builders offered incentives and lower mortgage rates to keep sales steady despite many buyers waiting for further rate drops—Roseville led with 99 sales.