User-Friendly City : Santa Clarita Holds a Meeting on How to Make Computer Services More Accessible

Computer wizards want to make Santa Clarita user-friendly.

They joined local activists, some of whom are computer novices more likely to associate Macintosh with apples, at an unusual luncheon the city held Tuesday to gather their, well, input.

Santa Clarita officials--who once held a luncheon for hairdressers to hear what their clients said about city government--collected data over $95 worth of sandwiches and cookies on how the city can make it easier for residents to hook up with City Hall.

City Council and Planning Commission agendas have been accessible by home computer since last spring. But some residents are eager to see the city expand its on-line service and others have complained they have had difficulty even signing on to the system, said Carolynn Deller, the city’s data processing manager.

“You need to make it more user-friendly,” said Russell Cromwell, a computer consultant who has had problems calling up the agendas.

Cromwell and the seven others who attended the luncheon at City Hall suggested that the city provide clearer instructions on how to use the on-line service.

Pat Saletore, president of the Santa Clarita Valley Civic Assn., suggested that the city install terminals in libraries, provide additional agendas and background information, and expand the system so residents can communicate with staff and council members through terminals.

Santa Monica and other cities provide such services. It could cost the city $100,000 to create such a service, unless a computer company donates the equipment, Deller said. So far, Santa Clarita has not spent any money to make the agendas available. Deller said she is preparing a report on how the city can improve its computer system, including the service for residents.

Each month, about 200 people use the service, which is available to anyone with a computer and a modem by dialing (805) 253-0429 and entering the password CITY .

According to city records, some people sign on at all hours, even in the middle of the night.

Observed Deller wryly: “Maybe reading the agendas helps put them to sleep.”