March 7, 2010, Issue No. 1/2010

In this issue:

1. Google's High-Speed Internet Project
2. Upcoming Free DCN Classes
3. DCN Has a Facebook Page
4. Davis Launches a Resident-Notification Program
5. DCN and the School District Develop Interactive Website

1. Focus on the Google's High-Speed Internet Project
Davis Community Network is encouraging its subscribers to learn more about The Google Fiber-Optic Internet Project.

What is it? Google is planning to create a testbed for "fiber-optic to the home" Internet network connections in one or more US communities with populations between 50,000 and 500,000. Networks will deliver connection speeds up to 200 times faster than the fastest Internet connection currently available in Davis.

Why this is good for Davis? Ten years ago, when we were plodding along with slow dialup connections, we couldn't have imagined all the new technologies and services made possible by high speed Internet. If Google selects Davis as the test location for their project, it will put Davis on the forefront of the many new technologies that will be made possible by these connection speeds, including cutting-edge research, streaming media, telemedicine, GIS, just to name a few.

What can you do to make it happen? Go to www.dcn.org and read the up-to-date information we have posted there, including the article "Why Google Needs Davis", written by DCN's very own Steve McMahon. We believe it is important to seize this opportunity because of what it will mean for our community. The deadline to apply is March 26.

2. Upcoming Free DCN Classes
DCN, in its commitment to public education about the Internet and its community applications and services, has scheduled free classes for the spring 2010 series to begin from Thursday, March 25. Topics include: Web calendars (3/25) ; E-mail list management with Mailman (4/1); Website creation using SimpleSites (4/8); Special website tools in SimpleSites (4/22); Well designed e-newsletters (4/29). Details are available on the DCN website at http://www2.dcn.org/dcn/classes/classSchedules. More classes may be arranged based on demand and availability of volunteer instructors. Contact admin@dcn.org for registration.

3. DCN Has a Facebook Page
Are you on Facebook? Become a fan on our Facebook page. We will keep you informed about Google's project and other topics of interest to local Internet users and community organizations. Visit and join now!

4. Davis Launches a Resident-Notification Program
The City of Davis recently launched a resident-notification program through a service called Nixle.com. It will enable the City to send important announcements to your email address and/or phone, and you can register multiple addresses including home, business, and schools. For more information about how to register, go to http://cityofdavis.org/cmo/notification.cfm.

5. DCN and the School District Develop Interactive Website
DCN collaborated with the Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD) to develop an interactive website to help our community understand the current DJUSD budget situation. See www.districtdollars.org.