Ojai 2020
I am not a candidate but in 2020 I picture everyone having free access to the internet anywhere in Ojai's city limits. Actually, I can picture this now, even though the merchants of Ojai cannot. Sadly, all their wireless networks require passwords. Luckily, Meiner's Oaks has a few merchants that are able to comprehend the Zeitgeist. Kudos to Farmer and the Cook (M. Oaks), Coffee Connection (M. Oaks) and Stir Crazy (Oak View) for leading the way into the future.
| Permalink | author bio | 
Comments (7)
I was incredibly disappointed to learn two days ago that Rob & Megan decided to call it quits over at Monte Coffee & Sandwich Co. in Oak View. It was becoming a habit for me to go on over there, grab some lunch and work for a couple hours.
It would be nice to see Rainbow Bridge offer free wifi - I would take advantage of it, patronizing the store even more than I do now.
Comment #1 Posted by: Tyler | October 27, 2006 11:27 AM
You should add Antonio's to your list of free wifi places. Nixk the owner there is a very nice guy and there's free internet and decent Margs.
Comment #2 Posted by: SPK | October 27, 2006 12:38 PM
Thanx for the input SPK. As of this morning, Antonio's required a password.
Comment #3 Posted by: Michael Didj | October 27, 2006 12:57 PM
City wide wi-fi is generally passed by the council and budgeted in. It would be simply broadcast and available everywhere. Tyler might know more about citites that have done thgis already. I think chocago, Seattle and soon San Francisco.
Comment #4 Posted by: Raymond Powers | October 29, 2006 09:48 AM
Some online articles about this:
http://news.com.com/2100-7351_3-6066746.html
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/wireless_special/0,2914,68999,00.html
Comment #5 Posted by: Raymond Powers | October 29, 2006 09:55 AM
Raymond - I looked into this last year with a company that provides mesh networks called Aiirmesh.net. It is feasible, and can be done for about $100k to start. There would multiple business models, including residential access, business access and free ad-supported downtown access, ala Long Beach.
On Long Beach - I went down there last year for a conference and had a revelatory experience. I went into a restaurant, got a table near an outlet, opened up a browser on my laptop and was greeted with a homepage that said "Welcome to Long Beach, we're providing you free wireless access, please support our local businesses and merchants." I worked for three hours, had good mole enchiladas, and saw the future.
Comment #6 Posted by: Tyler | October 29, 2006 12:29 PM
on Long Beach: that's incredible, Tyler! what a beautiful message!
universal wireless access is certainly not anywhere near my current list of pet issues, but the generosity and simplicity of that relationship speaks powerfully to me in regard to the kind of culture we want. so if wireless access be the door through which we bring a culture of openness and giving and connectivity, then i'm all for it, despite my radiation concerns. :)
Comment #7 Posted by: evan | October 29, 2006 01:52 PM