In 1995, the information and communication technology (ICT) community networking group of volunteers known as PetalumaNet was officially “incubated” and “hatched.” On September 1, 2007, it will celebrate its 12th Anniversary and enter its 13th year of activity. It is growing up, and on its way to becoming a teen-ager. Oh my, what do we have in store for us, as the community that has both nurtured and benefited from its many faceted “growing up” years?
Please recall that the Internet was just beginning to come into its own in the mid-90s. PetalumaNet was focused on promoting greater use of ICT in the schools, but soon realized that government, business, health care, and nonprofits needed to be included in a total community vision of CyberSpace. PetalumaNet also adopted a slogan, Think globally about CyberSpace, but act locally in your CyberPlace. Since 2003, Our CyberSpace, one of my blogging categories has been modified to Our CyberPlace.
Back in 1997, one of the web sites designed by a PetalumaNet volunteer was for the Argus-Courier, as well as the City of Petaluma. Both of these sites were given over to these two community sectors, free of charge, for management and future expansion. Both are still in existence, today, and are using some of the latest ICT tools available. City Hall, for example, has access to Granicus, which enables citizens to view City Council meeting 24/7. The Argus-Courier created an online edition which is now known as Petaluma360 and has a separate section for community bloggers, including “yours truly.”
Among its more recent initiatives have been Project NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams) and Project OPEN (Our Petaluma Electronic Network). Where PetalumaNet goes from here, during its teen-age years, remains to be seen. What do you suggest? Please post your thoughts and comments. I’m sure “Eagle-Eyes” and “Hammerhead” will be interested, as well as Emporer Norton II and the “Squeaky Wheel.”