In fall of 2004, I started my own business, SDP Online Services, where I design and maintain websites. My main client was Placer County, but that work has ended. I have a few clients, and relish my extra time sans full-time work.
Until 12/04, I worked for the Placer County Public Information Office as a public information assistant and the County's Web manager. Before that, I spent nearly 3 years with the Board of Supervisors. That was a terrific spot to learn the workings of local government, and the wide range of activities in the county.
Prior to Placer County, for 18 years I worked in public TV at KVIE in Sacramento. I started as a volunteer student intern, was hired in 8/78, and within 16 months was the station's programmer, buying and scheduling the programs. The work was rewarding, and I especially enjoyed working with many of the most creative, intelligent and socially responsible people I know. I left the station for reasons both professional and personal, yet keep in touch with many friends in public TV.
During my last few months at KVIE, I worked in the station's IT department, helping staff with software and hardware problems, doing staff training, and doing a little work on KVIE's Novell network. I even created the station's first Web page, in 1995. After 6 months in the position, I wrote a report on what I learned about staff training needs and the elements needed for successful new technologies adoption.
After 10 years working for Sugar Bowl, in the Village Services (building maintenance) department, he started his own business in summer, 1999, called Jim of All Trades . He handles a wide range of maintenance and handyman chores, and caretaking. He also spends some time each week at Sugar Bowl on contract to do their pool and spa maintenance.
He's found he can be as busy as he likes, with a combination of indoor and outdoor projects for friends, neighbors and relatives. Jim still finds time to manage the usual annual chores like getting our annual wood supply and our own home maintenance needs.