Miscellaneous

Offsite ice breaker: the only one I’ve ever found to be useful

I wrote yesterday about “How to run a better offsite meeting or tour“. And a good comment was posted asking if I had any suggestions for good ice breakers (basically). And my answer is: I’ve only ever experienced one that I felt had any value. Typically exercises are cliches like “Tell us one thing aboutRead… Read more »

Two SamTrans workers charged with stealing fares

Two mechanics from the San Mateo County Transit District (CA) are accused of stealing more than $40,000 from Caltrain ticket vending machines. The workers allegedly removed damaged machines for repair, took them apart, removed the cash, and returned them to service. An internal audit, combined with surveillance videos, helped uncover the scheme. Link to fullRead… Read more »

SFOpen 2011 Mayoral Debate

Last Thursday, Code for America was proud to partner with GovFresh and change.org bring together the 2011 San Francisco Mayoral candidates for a discussion on open government and innovation. Participating candidates included Michela Alioto-Pier, John Avalos, David Chiu, Bevan Dufty, Tony Hall, Dennis Herrera, Joanna Rees, Phil Ting and Leland Yee and the debate wasRead… Read more »

A Response – Debating the Importance of Social Media in Civic Life

My friend and colleague Gadi Ben-Yahuda posted a bit of a challenge to me today, based on a conversation we had over email. Ever the social beasts, Gadi and I have corresponded over email, Google video chat, on GovLoop, on his most excellent blog over at the Center for the Business of Government, and onceRead… Read more »

Feds follow Arizona’s lead with proposal to require E-Verify for employers everywhere

The bill was heard Wednesday by a House Judiciary subcommittee, and would require U.S. employers to use E-Verify to check workers’ citizenship. It purpose is to create jobs for unemployed Americans by keeping illegal immigrants out of the job market, and would do nationally what Arizona has required of employers for several years — makeRead… Read more »

Celebrating FEEA’s 25th Anniversary: Two Remarkable Men Were Honored and Awarded!

On the evening of June 21, The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) held their 25th Anniversary Celebration in a statuesque room in the United States Capitol where they celebrated the tremendous years of FEEA. While celebrating FEEA’s 25th Anniversary, FEEA Executive Director Steve Bauer kicked off the event with an overview of theRead… Read more »

Soldier Ride, Not Your Average Bike Race

Imagine you’re on a nice long bike ride. At the finish line you are greeted by friends, supports, and the GEICO Gecko? GEICO is the national sponsor for the 2011 Soldier Ride National Tour, a cause which benefits the Wounded Warrior Project WWP is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of veterans and friendsRead… Read more »