Local News in Brief : Computer Network Debuts With Deluge
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City Hall in Santa Monica was swamped with calls Tuesday from more than 150 people eager to register for the city’s new computer network.
The network, hailed as an innovative way to connect the public with its government, enables Santa Monica residents to use their personal computers to plug into a wealth of information on city events and issues.
Users of the network can sign on to read City Council reports and agendas, find out how to get a building permit and see what books are available in the library. A resident who is hooked up can computer-message complaints or comments into City Hall and expect an answer, right on his or her computer screen.
The system went “on line” as scheduled Tuesday, and the first member of the public to become a user signed on shortly after noon.
Michael Hill, a neighborhood activist credited with first suggesting the idea to city leaders, “accessed” the system and found a message awaiting him from Information Systems Director Ken Phillips:
“Welcome aboard,” the message said. “I hope you find it useful.”
Hill then whipped off a couple of messages to Phillips and City Manager John Jalili, congratulating them on their work.
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