903, 2023

State Parks Launches Digital Passport App

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If you are a frequent visitor of state parks in the Golden State, California has a new passport app for you aimed at improving access and engagement across 280 parks.   “Spending time outside has many proven benefits almost as numerous as we have parks in this state, improving mental and physical health, inspiring creativity and connection, and helping visitors discover their world,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero in a press release. “Plus, it’s fun! This new Passport Program adds a layer of play that’ll help entice new visitors - especially digital natives and folks more accustomed to screens [...]

2112, 2022

CPUC Overhauls Rooftop Solar Proposal

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The California Public Utilities Commission has released a long-awaited overhaul of its proposal to regulate rooftop solar installations, removing an unpopular new fee but reducing how much utilities would pay homeowners for supplying power to the grid.

3103, 2022

What is Challenge-Based Procurement?

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What is a challenge-based procurement? Former San Francisco Chief Innovation Officer and City Innovate Co-CEO Jay Nath talks with Christina about new approaches to technology procurement. Watch the 10-minute interview here.

803, 2022

What happens if California does not repay federal unemployment funds?

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Christina Gagnier talks with Tom Sheehy, Principal at the Sheehy Strategy Group and former California Department of Finance executive, about efforts to pay back federal funding that kept the claims system running. They also discuss a potential tax increase on employers if federal funding is not repaid. 

103, 2022

Smart Health Cards, Open-Source Technology and What’s Next for California’s Chief Technology Innovation Officer

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Last fall, California successfully launched a digital vaccine card and shared the code with other states -- it's a success story on rapid deployment and open-source technology.   Rick Klau, the state's chief technology innovation officer gives GovReport Host Christina Gagnier the backstory and talks about what's next for the California Department of Technology.   Watch the 14-minute interview here.   

2302, 2022

Photos: Government Innovation California – Feb. 22, 2022

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The Government Innovation California conference was held on February 22, 2022, in Sacramento.  More than 175 attendees registered for the day-long conference that featured speakers from state and local governments and technology companies.  Based in Toronto, Canada, Public Sector Network hosted the event, the organization's first in California. 

2001, 2022

Former State CIO Carlos Ramos Talks About User-Centered Services, Broadband Adoption and Silver Linings from the Pandemic

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Former State Chief Information Officer Carlos Ramos talks with Christina Gagnier about his recent appointment to the Board of the California Emerging Technology Fund. They also discuss his views on public service, customer-centric digital services, challenges to broadband adoption, some silver linings from the pandemic, and the overall use of technology to serve the people of California. Watch the short interview here.

701, 2022

Implementing artificial intelligence in your government program? Here’s where you should start.

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When it comes to implementing and utilizing artificial intelligence in government programs, what should be top of mind for officials? According to Jennifer Watkins, managing principal at strategy firm Anewd.ai, program executives should “begin with the end in mind.” The GovReport Host Christina Gagnier talks with Watkins about various challenges and how to achieve success in the public sector. Watch the 10-minute interview here.

1012, 2021

Improvements to CDT’s Project Approval Lifecycle Coming in 2022

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Better planning results in better project outcomes. That's the impetus behind the California Department of Technology's (CDT's) Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL), a framework that's been in place for a number of years "to improve the quality, value and likelihood of success for IT projects undertaken by the state of California," according to the CDT's Statewide Information Management Manual. And in recent years, officials noticed that the framework process needs to be more adaptive, agile and nimble.

112, 2021

Amy Tong Appointed Director at Office of Digital Innovation

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State CIO and California Department of Technology Director Amy Tong has been appointed to a new post, to serve as director of the Office of Digital Innovation, according to an announcement from the Governor's Office. Starting Jan. 1, 2022, Tong will move to the new position, formerly occupied by Udaya Patnaik, who was appointed to the position in May 2020. Deputy CIO Russ Nichols will assume the role of acting CIO. 

1811, 2021

Q&A: California’s CIO and CISO reveal next steps for the state’s new cybersecurity strategy

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Since Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California’s first state-wide cybersecurity strategy last month, IT officials have been promoting the plan as something that will do more than increase security, streamline operations, or even cut costs. Officials said the strategy, known as Cal-Secure, lays the foundation for the future of California’s cybersecurity defense.

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.

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