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If after reviewing the information provided within these sections, you are having technical difficulty using the City of San Diego Web site, please email us at webmaster@sandiego.gov.

Site Overview

The primary goal of the City's official Web site is to provide access to City government information and services. We have included links to various sites that provide and maintain information on other public and private sector interests related to San Diego.

The City site is designed to support Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) versions 5.x and higher.Other browsers may work, but have not been tested for compatibility. Special programming has been used where necessary, so be sure to enable Java and JavaScript within your browser options to take full advantage of site features.

The use of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view selected forms and documents on the site. You will want to visit the product sites to upgrade your versions periodically, enabling you to use the latest capabilities and features of the Web.

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Site navigation features

The City site has been redesigned so that you can easily and quickly find the information and services that you are seeking. The gold and gray bars across the top of each page provide links to helpful features such as Business, City Hall, Community, Departments, Information, Leisure, Services A-Z, Visiting, Search, and Contact the City. The main categories are defined as follows:

City Home The City Web site main page featuring the main site content categories, City Government Links, Weekly Web Feature, Elected Officials, News and Special Announcements, Weather, and access to other timely and helpful features.
Business  Find permits and licenses, bid & contract opportunities, online forms, requests for services, billing/payment services and more.
City Hall Access your key City elected officials and organization, legislative documents, meeting notices, election information & employment.
Community  Learn about City services and programs such as parks, libraries, public safety, planning, public works, development and transportation.
Departments    Access an alphabetical list of links to City department homepages and their primary divisions and/or programs.
Information  Find news and announcements, calendars, maps, forms, frequently asked questions, documents, local Web links and more.
Leisure  Explore the beauty and fun of beaches, lakes, boating, golf courses, parks, upcoming events and local attractions in San Diego.
Services A-Z  Find a list of City-provided services as well as links to services offered by other jurisdictions.
Visiting  Find information about major attractions and events in and around San Diego.

Text links at the bottom of each page are provided for accessibility or if you have graphics turned off. They combine links for both top and side navigation bars as well as specific page navigation.

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Searching the City Web site

The City site utilizes the Google search engine. The search engine enables you to search for information by typing in a few descriptive words and clicking the Search button or simply pressing the "Enter" key on your keyboard. Google will return a list of relevant web pages from the City’s site containing all the words in your query. To narrow your search, simply add more words to the words you have already entered.

Installing and using Adobe Acrobat Reader

The City Web site contains selected documents and forms that require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. We use this method when the documents are not available in digital form, too large or difficult to produce in HTML or they are publications where the format is critical to the usability of the document online.

Adobe Acrobat Reader software is available FREE from Adobe Systems Incorporated. This software allows you to view, navigate and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files.

Some simple help:

  • Read the Adobe site instructions on Downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader. Image of Get Adobe Acrobat button
  • Be sure to select the version of Adobe Acrobat Reader that is compatible with your system.
  • Follow the Adobe instructions. After the download, you will need to install the file by running the executable (.exe file) from your operating system. This is a step many forget.
  • Configure your browser options accordingly.
  • Upgrade your version periodically to enable you to use the latest features.
  • Contact Adobe if you are having trouble installing and using the product.

Help for Microsoft Internet Explorer/Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 Users

When Adobe Acrobat Reader and Microsoft Internet Explorer are used in combination (integrated) they use more memory and often a memory bug will prevent them from downloading LARGE PDF files properly. To solve the problem, the two products should be used independently (not integrated).

Follow the steps below in Adobe Acrobat Reader to allow the products to work independently:

  1. Open Acrobat Reader
  2. Select File/Preferences/General.
  3. In the lower right-hand quadrant of the preferences screen UN-check the box which is associated with Web Browser Integration.
  4. Close Acrobat Reader.
  5. Try the Web again. It should work properly.

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Text-Only Users

The City site has been developed to be "text-only" friendly and considerate of users accessing the site with special devices whenever possible. We use descriptive alternative tags (ALT tags) to supplement graphics. If you turn off image loading in your browser, the pages of the site can still be navigated and viewed. For use with special devices, the site has been validated using Bobby.

Adobe PDF documents can be converted to HTML or ASCII text using Adobe Online Conversion Tools.

Enabling Java and Java Script

The City Web site contains features that require the use of java and java script to operate properly. To enable java and java script within your browser please following the instructions below:
Internet Explorer 5.x

  • Select Tools from your menu bar.
  • Select Internet Options, then the Security tab.
  • For Internet, click on Custom Level.
  • Scroll down to the Scripting area of the list.
  • Under Scripting, set Active scripting to Enable,and set Scripting of Java applets to Enable.
  • Click OK and return to the Security Setting
  • Click Apply
  • Click OK

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Installing and using Apple QuickTime

Get Quicktime Player Apple QuickTime is available FREE from Apple Computer, Inc.. This software allows you to view QuickTime media presentations.
  • Follow the QuickTime downloading instructions. After the download, you need to install the file by running the executable (.exe file) from your operating system.

  • Upgrade your version periodically to enable you to use the latest features.

  • Contact Apple Computer, Inc. if you are having trouble installing and using the product.

QuickTime and the QuickTime Logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Get QuickTime Badge is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., used with permission.

Installing and using Windows Media Player

Microsoft Windows Media Player is available FREE from Microsoft. This software allows you to view videos posted on the City Web site.

Installing and using Macromedia Flash Player

Get Macromedia Flash Player Macromedia Flash Player is available FREE from Macromedia. This software allows you to view Flash animation/presentations.
  • Follow the Macromedia downloading instructions. After the download, you need to install the file by running the executable (.exe file) from your operating system.

  • Upgrade your version periodically to enable you to use the latest features.

  • Contact Macromedia if you are having trouble installing and using the product.
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