Tuesday, March 6, 2018
After nearly a month of infection by malware, the City of Savannah says it is continuing to rid the City’s network of the infection that was discovered February 9; likely caused by an e-mail phishing scheme.
But many problems still remain, including a large court backlog.
The City’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has removed the malware from more than 80 percent of the City’s more than 2,000 computers, says City Public Information Director Michelle Gavin.
"The computers that have not been wiped remain shut down and off the City’s network," Gavin says.
To date, Gavin says there is no evidence that the malware attack has compromised any City data and it has not impacted the City’s core services, public safety or the 911 Center’s ability to receive and dispatch 911 calls.
"DoIT staff and contractors from Layer 3 Communications are wiping each individual computer and installing new anti-virus and intrusion protection software to help guard against any potential future attacks," she says.
However, the nearly month-long issue with emails remains about as problematic as it has been.
The City is still restricting outside sources from sending email attachments, specifically pdf files, to City staff.
"Recently the City has seen an elevated number of phishing e-mails from outside sources," says Gavin. "Restricting email attachments is helping the City prevent additional viruses from infecting the City’s network until the new anti-virus and intrusion protection software is installed."
While Traffic Court has been cancelled through Friday, March 9 — one of several weeks of court business delayed or otherwise impacted by the malware infection — the City hopes to have all the Recorder’s Court computers up and running by Wednesday.
Perhaps the most embarrassing issue, with the City Purchasing Department, is also slow to resolve. "Due to technical difficulties with the City’s supplier portal, bidding opportunities are currently being posted to the City’s main Purchasing Department webpage," Gavin says.
'Vendors can come to the Purchasing Division’s office (1375 Chatham Parkway, 2nd floor, Savannah, Georgia 31405) to obtain documents related to bidding opportunities. The Purchasing Division’s website will be updated as changes to each event occur, so vendors are encouraged to check this site often to ensure they receive all issued documents.
For events closing on March 13 and March 20, only manual submissions will be accepted. Electronic responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received at 1375 Chatham Parkway, 2nd floor, Savannah, Georgia 31405, in the office of the Purchasing Division by 1:30pm (EST) on the stated due date. Addenda addressing all changes to these events will be issued and posted to the Purchasing Division’s main webpage.
"The City’s ability to receive 311 call has not been effected," Gavin says. "However, due to limited computer availability for City staff, there are delays in responding to the 311 requests."
But many problems still remain, including a large court backlog.
The City’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has removed the malware from more than 80 percent of the City’s more than 2,000 computers, says City Public Information Director Michelle Gavin.
"The computers that have not been wiped remain shut down and off the City’s network," Gavin says.
To date, Gavin says there is no evidence that the malware attack has compromised any City data and it has not impacted the City’s core services, public safety or the 911 Center’s ability to receive and dispatch 911 calls.
"DoIT staff and contractors from Layer 3 Communications are wiping each individual computer and installing new anti-virus and intrusion protection software to help guard against any potential future attacks," she says.
However, the nearly month-long issue with emails remains about as problematic as it has been.
The City is still restricting outside sources from sending email attachments, specifically pdf files, to City staff.
"Recently the City has seen an elevated number of phishing e-mails from outside sources," says Gavin. "Restricting email attachments is helping the City prevent additional viruses from infecting the City’s network until the new anti-virus and intrusion protection software is installed."
While Traffic Court has been cancelled through Friday, March 9 — one of several weeks of court business delayed or otherwise impacted by the malware infection — the City hopes to have all the Recorder’s Court computers up and running by Wednesday.
Perhaps the most embarrassing issue, with the City Purchasing Department, is also slow to resolve. "Due to technical difficulties with the City’s supplier portal, bidding opportunities are currently being posted to the City’s main Purchasing Department webpage," Gavin says.
'Vendors can come to the Purchasing Division’s office (1375 Chatham Parkway, 2nd floor, Savannah, Georgia 31405) to obtain documents related to bidding opportunities. The Purchasing Division’s website will be updated as changes to each event occur, so vendors are encouraged to check this site often to ensure they receive all issued documents.
For events closing on March 13 and March 20, only manual submissions will be accepted. Electronic responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received at 1375 Chatham Parkway, 2nd floor, Savannah, Georgia 31405, in the office of the Purchasing Division by 1:30pm (EST) on the stated due date. Addenda addressing all changes to these events will be issued and posted to the Purchasing Division’s main webpage.
"The City’s ability to receive 311 call has not been effected," Gavin says. "However, due to limited computer availability for City staff, there are delays in responding to the 311 requests."
A controversial pilot program on Whitaker Street — which judging by social media response has been overwhelmingly unpopular — gets another tweak this week with the addition of a "pedestrian buffer."
The City of Savannah has revised the Whitaker Street pilot program and restored the roadway from Bay Street to Broughton Street to two traffic lanes, instead of the effort to make the street a single lane.
"The two lanes are now narrower in order to expand the area next to the sidewalks for pedestrians. The on-street parking spaces have been removed," says a City spokesperson.
The City has been receiving feedback on the Whitaker Street pilot for the past month and made the changes on Monday.
“We are listening and we appreciate everyone who is giving us feedback,” said Heath Lloyd, the City’s Chief Infrastructure and Development Officer. “The goal of this pilot program is to enhance the experience along Whitaker Street for our pedestrians. This shift should allow for more efficient vehicular traffic flow, while effectively slowing the traffic down and making the area safer and more enjoyable for our walking citizens and visitors.”
The City reduced Whitaker Street to a single auto lane between Bay and Broughton streets Feb. 5-March 5 "in an effort to visually enhance the corridor and provide additional on-street parking," the City says.
"After receiving feedback from the trial, it was determined that a revised approach to the corridor was necessary. The revised approach incorporates two traffic lanes and a pedestrian buffer."
The 90-day pilot program will run until the May 6. The City has a feedback form here.
The City of Savannah has revised the Whitaker Street pilot program and restored the roadway from Bay Street to Broughton Street to two traffic lanes, instead of the effort to make the street a single lane.
"The two lanes are now narrower in order to expand the area next to the sidewalks for pedestrians. The on-street parking spaces have been removed," says a City spokesperson.
The City has been receiving feedback on the Whitaker Street pilot for the past month and made the changes on Monday.
“We are listening and we appreciate everyone who is giving us feedback,” said Heath Lloyd, the City’s Chief Infrastructure and Development Officer. “The goal of this pilot program is to enhance the experience along Whitaker Street for our pedestrians. This shift should allow for more efficient vehicular traffic flow, while effectively slowing the traffic down and making the area safer and more enjoyable for our walking citizens and visitors.”
The City reduced Whitaker Street to a single auto lane between Bay and Broughton streets Feb. 5-March 5 "in an effort to visually enhance the corridor and provide additional on-street parking," the City says.
"After receiving feedback from the trial, it was determined that a revised approach to the corridor was necessary. The revised approach incorporates two traffic lanes and a pedestrian buffer."
The 90-day pilot program will run until the May 6. The City has a feedback form here.
Skidaway Island State Park has a new Manager, Sam Cox, who will oversee the 588-acre park, which includes 87 campsites, picnic shelters and three playgrounds.
Cox started his career with Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites in 2015 and was assistant manager of Stephen C. Foster State Park and then manager of Magnolia Springs State Park prior to working at Skidaway.
Cox earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach in Criminal Justice Administration. After completing his degree, Cox went on to work in law enforcement for both Newton and Henry County.
“Some of my fondest memories growing up are of my parents taking my sister and me camping in Georgia,” said Cox. “As a parent, I have tried to do the same with my child. I am very excited to call Savannah home and look forward to continuing to bring some new ideas to Skidaway Island State Park.”
Cox started his career with Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites in 2015 and was assistant manager of Stephen C. Foster State Park and then manager of Magnolia Springs State Park prior to working at Skidaway.
Cox earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach in Criminal Justice Administration. After completing his degree, Cox went on to work in law enforcement for both Newton and Henry County.
“Some of my fondest memories growing up are of my parents taking my sister and me camping in Georgia,” said Cox. “As a parent, I have tried to do the same with my child. I am very excited to call Savannah home and look forward to continuing to bring some new ideas to Skidaway Island State Park.”
The Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire (RCC) Board of Directors announced that they have recently closed on a new building in midtown Savannah to help support their growing organization.
“For over 40 years our RCC has provided crisis support, prevention education, and counseling to thousands of survivors and their family members," says Board Chairman Heather Booth.
"Current office space is pushed beyond capacity. The Center needs small, private rooms for confidential counseling, a large space for support groups, trainings, and meetings plus additional space for staff and volunteers. A larger office will allow them to better serve clients as well as meet expected growth," she says.
RCC currently owns what they call "a modest building which has quickly become inadequate to accommodate survivors for initial disclosures, follow-up contact, counseling and support groups. In addition, the working staff who respond to victims and provide community outreach has grown from 10 to 27 over the past 5 years."
A recent survey revealed survivors feel most comfortable in a location they deem safe with adequate parking and privacy. RCC says the new location will be better equipped for outreach and providing services to the 6 counties it serves (Bryan, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long &Tattnall.) This allows for an increase in support services to underserved communities, for expansion of support groups, additional counseling and therapy, and innovative solutions such as web-based hotlines.
“For over 40 years our RCC has provided crisis support, prevention education, and counseling to thousands of survivors and their family members," says Board Chairman Heather Booth.
"Current office space is pushed beyond capacity. The Center needs small, private rooms for confidential counseling, a large space for support groups, trainings, and meetings plus additional space for staff and volunteers. A larger office will allow them to better serve clients as well as meet expected growth," she says.
RCC currently owns what they call "a modest building which has quickly become inadequate to accommodate survivors for initial disclosures, follow-up contact, counseling and support groups. In addition, the working staff who respond to victims and provide community outreach has grown from 10 to 27 over the past 5 years."
A recent survey revealed survivors feel most comfortable in a location they deem safe with adequate parking and privacy. RCC says the new location will be better equipped for outreach and providing services to the 6 counties it serves (Bryan, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long &Tattnall.) This allows for an increase in support services to underserved communities, for expansion of support groups, additional counseling and therapy, and innovative solutions such as web-based hotlines.
After a long search, the Savannah Bananas have hired a Director of Fun. Tyler Gray, originally from Chattanooga, TN, has already made the move to Savannah to join the team on February 26.
Gray joins the Bananas after four years with Norwegian Cruise Line and as the Cruise Director for NCL’s flagship, the Norwegian Escape.
"During his time with Norwegian, he oversaw all onboard entertainment and activities for over 5,000 guests weekly and managed a team of 200 employees. Tyler is an entertainer and well-known Master of Ceremonies who has hosted events and been on stage with celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Douglas, Rod Stewart, celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, Iron Chef Jose Garces, and Pitbull," says a Bananas spokesperson.
The Bananas made an entertaining video about the job search and hiring process. View it here.
"I am extremely excited to be a part of the Bananas family and the Savannah community,” said Gray. “The Bananas have already made big waves not only in baseball but in the entertainment industry. They took the game of baseball and made it into a spectacular show that everyone can enjoy.”
Bananas owner Jesse Cole adds, “Over 200 people reached out to us from across the country to be the Director of Fun. Once we saw Tyler's videos and what he said he wanted to bring to Savannah, we knew this could be something special.”
“Tyler is a game changing hire for the Bananas organization. He brings energy and experience like we've never seen before. He is an idea machine and I can guarantee fans will see things they've never seen before at the stadium this summer. My one suggestion for the fans is to expect the unexpected with Tyler.”
Fans will be able to meet Tyler at upcoming events, including the Tap of the Morning Beer Fest on April 7.
Gray joins the Bananas after four years with Norwegian Cruise Line and as the Cruise Director for NCL’s flagship, the Norwegian Escape.
"During his time with Norwegian, he oversaw all onboard entertainment and activities for over 5,000 guests weekly and managed a team of 200 employees. Tyler is an entertainer and well-known Master of Ceremonies who has hosted events and been on stage with celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Douglas, Rod Stewart, celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, Iron Chef Jose Garces, and Pitbull," says a Bananas spokesperson.
The Bananas made an entertaining video about the job search and hiring process. View it here.
"I am extremely excited to be a part of the Bananas family and the Savannah community,” said Gray. “The Bananas have already made big waves not only in baseball but in the entertainment industry. They took the game of baseball and made it into a spectacular show that everyone can enjoy.”
Bananas owner Jesse Cole adds, “Over 200 people reached out to us from across the country to be the Director of Fun. Once we saw Tyler's videos and what he said he wanted to bring to Savannah, we knew this could be something special.”
“Tyler is a game changing hire for the Bananas organization. He brings energy and experience like we've never seen before. He is an idea machine and I can guarantee fans will see things they've never seen before at the stadium this summer. My one suggestion for the fans is to expect the unexpected with Tyler.”
Fans will be able to meet Tyler at upcoming events, including the Tap of the Morning Beer Fest on April 7.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
At its second and final reading today, a new ordinance to lessen penalties for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana was approved in an 8-1 vote by Savannah City Council.
Effective July 1 and only effective in the City of Savannah — no other municipalities or unincorporated areas in Chatham County — the new penalties for possession of an ounce or less will be a maximum of $150, with no arrest or jail time.
Alderman Van Johnson, who spearheaded the move, said this is not an effort to decriminalize or legalize marijuana but is a "sign of the times" that will help law enforcement focus on more serious crime and lessen what he calls disproportionate minority contact by police.
Alderman Brian Foster was the only dissenting vote and said "the law is the law" and that marijuana is still illegal under federal and state law.
Foster said the measure sends the wrong message and warns of workers not being able to pass drug tests for employment.
Johnson responded that "we invite people to Savannah to drink" all the time.
Savannah will be the third city in Georgia to adopt such a measure, after Atlanta and Clarksville. City leaders here point out that Savannah is the only city which will offer a substance abuse treatment program for those who opt into it.
In other business, City Council approved new measures to allow low-volume and/or disadvantaged local businesses to be awarded City bids if their bid is within ten percent of the low bidder.
They also voted a new Hotel Development Overlay District and to allow third-party advertising on tourist trolleys.
Effective July 1 and only effective in the City of Savannah — no other municipalities or unincorporated areas in Chatham County — the new penalties for possession of an ounce or less will be a maximum of $150, with no arrest or jail time.
Alderman Van Johnson, who spearheaded the move, said this is not an effort to decriminalize or legalize marijuana but is a "sign of the times" that will help law enforcement focus on more serious crime and lessen what he calls disproportionate minority contact by police.
Alderman Brian Foster was the only dissenting vote and said "the law is the law" and that marijuana is still illegal under federal and state law.
Foster said the measure sends the wrong message and warns of workers not being able to pass drug tests for employment.
Johnson responded that "we invite people to Savannah to drink" all the time.
Savannah will be the third city in Georgia to adopt such a measure, after Atlanta and Clarksville. City leaders here point out that Savannah is the only city which will offer a substance abuse treatment program for those who opt into it.
In other business, City Council approved new measures to allow low-volume and/or disadvantaged local businesses to be awarded City bids if their bid is within ten percent of the low bidder.
They also voted a new Hotel Development Overlay District and to allow third-party advertising on tourist trolleys.
