http://www.sfgov.org/site/tech_connect_page.asp?id=38852
Press Release - April 20 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday April 20, 2006
Contact: Ron Vinson, DTIS
415-554-0803
*** PRESS RELEASE ***
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SERVICES ANNOUNCES
FORMATION OF TASK FORCE TO FOCUS ON DIGITAL INCLUSION
New task force to consider current efforts, best practices and the capacity
of the private and public sectors to address the digital divide in San
Francisco.
San Francisco , CA The Department of Telecommunications and Information
Services (DTIS) today announced a new task force that will assist and advise
the City and County of San Francisco on digital inclusion programs that
would complement the deployment of a citywide wireless Internet network.
The task force includes community leaders from business, nonprofits and
philanthropy with expertise and experience in technology, media, affordable
housing, community development, human and social services.
³Free and low-cost Internet access is a great first step. However, all San
Franciscans need access to affordable hardware, computer skills training and
relevant content for San Francisco to be truly competitive in the 21st
Century information-based economy,² said DTIS Executive Director Chris Vein.
The Task Force will meet for 12-18 months and advise DTIS and other City
departments on the following issues:
* Hardware access to affordable computers, networking equipment and
devices;
* Training / Support computer skills training and technical support
that enable underserved communities to take advantage of Internet access
including non-English speaking populations and the disabled;
* Content diverse, community-based and relevant online content.
The City recently hired Emy Tseng as Project Manager for TechConnect, who
comes to this role with extensive experience in the software industry and
philanthropy. Tseng will oversee the design and implementation of
TechConnect¹s digital inclusion programs. ³I am honored to be part of this
exciting initiative to bring the benefits of technology to San Francisco ¹s
residents, especially the City¹s underserved communities,² said Tseng. She
adds, ³I am particularly excited to work with such a diverse group of people
that represents a true microcosm of San Francisco ¹s communities and
talents.²
Members of the task force include:
London Breed, African American Cultural Center
Anni Chung, Self Help for the Elderly
Marcus Clarke, Bayview Business Resource Center
Laura Efurd, Community Technology Foundation of California
Eli Horn, Visitacion Valley Community Beacon Center
NaNoshka Johnson, EventRegistration.com
Sydney Levy, Media Alliance
Sasha Magee, Funnel Foundation
Michael McCarthy, Consultant
Michael Meniktas, The Meniktas Group, Merrill Lynch
Silvana Rainey, Adaptive Technology Services
Anthony Townsend, Institute for the Future
Julie Trell, Salesforce.com Foundation
Valerie Tulier, Latino Steering Committee
Julie Yick, Women¹s Initiative for Self Employment.
For more information about San Francisco ¹s TechConnect initiative and
future meetings of the task force, which are to be announced at a later
date, please log on to www.sfgov.org/techconnect or call (415) 554-5008.
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