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Edward Gonzales's blog
Recovery SF Website
July 2009--A new website has been launched for the City of San Francisco to keep city citizens informed on how stimulus funds are spent:
“Today we face extraordinary challenges, but among those challenges is the risk of being consumed solely by the crisis at hand,” said Mayor Newsom. “We must continue to think strategically and continue to invest in the people, infrastructure and businesses that will pull our economy out of this decline.”
Digital Dashboard Will Track California Technology Projects
"In May [2009], California plans to unveil a Web-based dashboard that will let anyone track the progress of major state government technology projects.
The online tool will show if projects are on time and within budget, as well as track a series of other "vital signs" like user acceptance, political risk, technical viability and business value. Information will be updated monthly for the state's largest and most complex technology initiatives, said Adrian Farley, chief deputy director for policy and program management at California's Office of the Chief Information Officer."
Zero Divide Technology Haiku Contest
As a fun way to promote the use of social media and other technology tools in our communities, Zero Divide invites you to submit a technology themed Haiku on behalf of a nonprofit organization for a chance to win them a grant up to $2,000. Haiku’s may be submitted on three different platforms:
1. ZeroDivide Facebook Page – If you are on Facebook, please post your Haiku on our discussion board, http://tinyurl.com/ZD-discussion-board
Reform Groups Blast Telco-backed Broadband Mapper
"This fight started out as a scrap on the blogosphere and in various Federal Communications Commission proceedings. But now that the White House has authorized $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus bucks, the question of who will map out the nation's high speed Internet use has become an urgent public issue. On Monday over two dozen organizations very loudly identified one candidate who they don't want for the job: Connected Nation."
GIS Data for California Roads and Landmarks a Goal of Geospatial Officer
"California Geospatial Information Officer Michael Byrne, who was named to the newly created position on Wednesday, says one of his first priorities will be to create common GIS data sets of imagery, roads and landmarks of the state."
To read more please visit the Government Technology website.
Sprint to deploy WiMAX in 10 U.S. cities in 2009
"Sprint plans to deploy its WiMAX services to 10 major U.S. cities in 2009, with at least five additional major markets due to get services in 2010.
For 2009, Sprint plans to deploy services in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland and Seattle. In 2010 the company expects to launch WiMAX services in Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C...."
To read more, please visit the Network World website.
In Search of Digital Equity: Assessing the Geography of Digital Divide in California
In Search of Digital Equity: Assessing the Geography of Digital Divide in California by Ali Modarres is an important addition to to the literature which documents digital disparities in California. This report provides “a detailed visual and statistical assessment of the nature of the digital divide in the state.” The findings “illustrate the degree to which Latinos and Non-Hispanic African Americans remain isolated from advancements in the use of ICTs [information communication technologies] and the information and services they offer.” The report concludes by noting that efforts to promote digital equity need to be connected to community and economic development. The report can be found at the Pat Brown Institute website.
Stimulus Broadband Feedback from Locals Solicited by Federal Government
Before stimulus bill broadband grants flow to local governments, the federal government is seeking input on grant requirements from "interested parties," according to the Federal Register. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will begin holding meetings on March 2 and continue until further notice. The NTIA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is distributing $4.7 billion of the $7.2 billion President Barack Obama detailed in his stimulus package for municipal broadband...
Economic Stimulus Will Boost Technology and Role of State CIOs
With billions of dollars directed toward health IT, rural broadband and education technology, the economic stimulus package will have significant impact on technology in state and local government, according to Gopal Khanna, CIO of Minnesota and president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). Just as important, President Barack Obama's plan for tracking stimulus spending could help transform relationships between federal, state and local government, Khanna said.
To read more, please visit the GovTech website.
Stimulus Bill Aims for "National Broadband Plan"
"...The other $4.7 billion of that $7.2 billion in the package is set aside for the 'Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.' Bits of this are supposed to go toward public computer centers, such as those at libraries and community colleges, and toward 'innovative programs to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.'
But the bulk of it is intended to build out broadband service to unserved and underserved areas and communities across the country. That's what this is all about. Schools, libraries, healthcare providers and community support organizations are given as example recipients, as are 'low-income, unemployed, aged, and otherwise vulnerable populations.' Public safety agencies are another..."
