2006, 2022

Can blockchain technology help prevent unemployment fraud?

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Can blockchain technology help fight fraud at the Employment Development Department?  If pending legislation is approved this year, a study by the Office of Digital Innovation (ODI) will aim to answer that question.  Assembly Bill 2781 by Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) last week unanimously passed the Senate Governmental Organization Committee advancing closer to final approval.  The measure calls for the ODI to study how blockchain technology might help prevent fraud.

1811, 2021

Governor Announces 18 Middle-Mile Broadband Infrastructure Projects

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Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced the first round of 18 broadband infrastructure projects that are part of this year’s historic $6 billion plan to bridge the digital divide. The middle-mile initiative includes a range of projects across the state to increase internet access for unserved and underserved communities.

2510, 2021

Commentary: California’s Water Shortage Was Created by a Lack of Leadership, Not Mother Nature

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Our state’s system of reservoirs and canals was at one time designed to provide a reliable water supply for California homes, businesses, and farms for three or more dry years. Just two years ago, following a slightly above average wet winter, that system was at full capacity. Now, almost every single reservoir is currently below 50% capacity, with several in the 10%-26% percent level, and even the experts are alarmed.

510, 2021

‘Dig Once’ Legislation Aims to Accelerate Broadband Deployment, Awaits Action by Governor

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Legislation intended to accelerate the deployment of broadband infrastructure by calling for a “Dig Once” policy has passed the Legislature and currently awaits final action by Gov. Newsom.  Assembly Bill (AB) 41 by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa) proposes to follow practices used in other states to minimize the number of excavations when installing telecommunications infrastructure.

209, 2021

California Selects Nonprofit as Broadband Partner

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As part of a massive effort to improve broadband infrastructure, the state today announced it is partnering with a third-party administrator (TPA) to oversee California's middle-mile broadband initiative. CENIC California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, LLC will serve as the TPA to manage the development and construction of broadband networks as part of this year's state budget allocation aimed at closing the digital divide.

3103, 2021

Broadband access hits record high, digital divide remains for disadvantaged

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A new report out this week says that while Californians are connected to the Internet at a record percentage in 2021, nearly 2 million households remain digitally-disadvantaged.  The Digital Divide has grown more acute for low-income and Latino households, seniors, and people with disabilities, according to a survey by the California Emerging Technology Fund and USC.

503, 2021

New report confronts shift in workplace amid economic crisis

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Governor Newsom's Future of Work Commission published its findings after 18 months of meetings across the state and staff work that identifies challenges faced by businesses and government.   While started before COVID-19, the study says 2020 accelerated conditions and pushed leaders to form a "New Social Compact" for workers.

2602, 2021

PPIC report measures California’s digital divide

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In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a record-high 84 percent of Californians are using high-speed internet at home—up 10 percent from 2017. The pandemic has shifted many, if not most, activities to online; Californians are using the internet for activities like accessing financial services, telecommuting, job hunting, distanced academic learning, or virtual job training.

1901, 2021

Digital future envisioned in governor’s budget

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In his 2013 book “Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom, laid out a bold vision for transformation of the state’s aging – and often failing – technology infrastructure. The goal was to improve how state services function and are delivered to better meet the needs of state government and of Californians.

1712, 2020

What’s the future of blockchain in California?

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For better or worse, this year’s pandemic will have a permanent impact on government operations, including the promise of a more efficient, environmentally-friendly telecommuting workforce, and a stress-tested digital infrastructure to support staff and serve Californians. Will this spirit of resilience and innovation translate to other areas in the Golden State?

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