“San Diego 311” debuts; a ‘one-stop shop’ for key city services

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A cell phone application that San Diegans can use to make complaints about city services was unveiled Thursday.

“San Diego 311” provides a one-stop shop for key city services via a smart phone “app” for Androids, Blackberrys and iPhones, according to Councilman Carl DeMaio.

The service, which can also be accessed from a computer, allows the city to automatically plot the location of the problem, he said.

“It's time for city government to catch up with modern technology and embrace new ways to serve our citizens,” DeMaio told reporters.

He said residents can use the system to report problems with a whole range of major city services, including potholes, busted sidewalks, abandoned vehicles, broken lights, illegal dumping, and graffiti.

The system will improve services and streamline the way complaints are handled by city departments, which could save taxpayer money, DeMaio said.

A similar system is in place in Escondido.