What were the most clicked-on stories of the year on Techwire? Some you might guess; others are surprising. In reverse order, here's what caught the attention of our readers in 2016.
10. Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Procurement Consultants to Register as Lobbyists
In May, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday vetoed a bill intended to shed light on billions of dollars in state spending and consultants who help companies win lucrative government contracts. AB 1200 by Assemblyman Rich Gordon, D-Menlo Park, would have required individuals or entities to register as a lobbyist if they are paid more than $2,000 per month to communicate with state agencies and influence state contract awards.
9. Three California IT Projects Named Finalists for National Award
Three state of California technology projects landed in August on a national list of finalists for the annual State IT Recognition Awards from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).
8. Hacker Cost SF Municipal Transit Agency $50,000 in Lost Fares
A ransomware attack directed the Municipal Transportation Agency made headlines around the world.
7. California Looks to Fill Top Tech Positions
A spate of top-level technology positions were open last summer in the ranks of state government.
6. California Names Acting State CIO
In March, Amy Tong, then-deputy director of the Office of Systems Integration and agency information officer of the California Health and Human Services Agency, was chosen to serve as acting state CIO and director of the Department of Technology. State CIO Carlos Ramos retired from public service at the end of March.
5. Amy Tong Appointed California CIO and Department of Technology Director
Then in late June, the Brown administration permanently appointed Tong as California's state CIO and Department of Technology director.
4. California Hires First-Ever Chief Data Officer
Also in late June, California announced it hired its first-ever chief data officer for state government, appointing Silicon Valley tech executive Zachary Townsend to the newly created position.
3. Corrections Starts Video Surveillance Pilot Project
In March, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced on Friday a new video surveillance pilot at one of its prisons in Northern California. The testing will occur at the maximum security High Desert State Prison, nine miles east of Susanville, Calif.
2. California CIO Carlos Ramos Leaving Position
Carlos Ramos, state of California CIO and director of the Department of Technology, stepped down at the end of March. Ramos was appointed state CIO by Gov. Jerry Brown in June 2011, replacing Teri Takai.
1. AT&T Wants to Decommission Landlines in California
Seeking to capitalize upon Californians' growing use of Internet-based phone service, the telephone giant asked state lawmakers to allow it to decommission its costly landlines. The telco said wireless and Internet-based voice services are giving Californians enhanced phone services at a better price than traditional copper wire landlines, and it’s time for the state to move into the 21st century.
