Adelanto Hosting a Community Technology Fair Seeking to Close the Digital Divide

Staff Writer

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

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ADELANTO – The City of Adelanto is welcoming residents of the somewhat underserved area to the Community Technology Fair Coming to Adelanto this Saturday. Adelanto city officials said that the area is in need of improved internet speeds and affordability in order to close what they are calling a Digital Divide. Along with the Great Harvest Community Center (GHCC) of San Bernardino, the City of Adelanto will be aiming to raise community awareness about low-cost computers and affordable high-speed broadband internet service for eligible residents.

Adelanto Mayor Richard Kerr said that the free one-day event will take place at the Adelanto City Hall Courtyard on Sunday, May 13, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is open to all High Desert Residents. “We have organized the Adelanto Community Technology Fair with the support from the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP), and the Inland Empire Regional Broadband Consortium (IERBC),” said Mayor Kerr.

Snacks and water will be provided while supplies last and Kona-ice snow cones will be at the location for those who would like to purchase snow cones.

Citing the enthusiasm of the City of Adelanto Mayor and other leadership, the GHCC CEO Greg Walker felt as though he needed to reach out to the city for the event. A variety of participants including the San Bernardino County, Cash for College Program, Computers2Home Program, Affordable Broadband, Apple K12 Education, Mac to School, and more. Attendees will be able to experience Computer Demos, a 3D Printer, get Tech Job Information, Music, Food, and a raffle for several tech items, including a lap tap.

Those in attendance will receive information about the benefits and importance of being online at their home, as well as have the opportunity to check eligibility for Affordable Broadband internet service for their home. In order to collect important data, those in attendance will be asked to fill out a short, one-page survey about their at-home internet use, the level of service and the cost. “The surveys are very important as we are collecting data to back up the need for improved internet in the region,”said GHCC Program Director Mickey Yates.

Also supplied will be information and post cards, which can be sent to the State Assembly about AB1665, the internet for All Now Act (Eduardo Garcia-Coachella). AB1665 extends the California Advance Services Fund (CASF) managed by the California Public Utilities Commission to provide matching funds for broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, including the rural areas such as many in the High Desert and Mojave region. The bill will be heard on the Assembly floor in early June.

“There will also be information for jobs in the technology industry, “said Kerr. San Bernardino County will have information on Tech/IT entry-level and advance Jobs available now at the County, with information and demonstrations on how to apply online. GHCC, covers the San Bernardino County including the High Desert and is a 501c3 Community-Based Organization specializing in Computer Literacy and Education Programs and Outreach, as well as Youth Self-esteem Workshops and has been in operation for 3 days.