Update: Dixon Patch Takes the City's New Web Site For a Test Drive (POLL)

Disclaimer: I'm a total web-a-holic. Guess that's why I'm the editor of this Patch site.

I was very excited to hear about the unveiling of the city's new web site. The old site -- although it was easy to use, efficiently sent out alerts of several city meetings, bids and other events -- was outdated.

Right off the bat, I notice a top banner that says "Personalize your online experience to stay up-to-date on news, events and other information you care about.  View my dashboard."

What's a web-a-holic to do? Sign me up!

I quickly filled out the signup information and away I went. Once logged in, the signup button goes away and my name appears (indicating that the power is now in my hands).

The buttons on the top banner now read "My Favorites" and "My Dashboard."

Clicking on My Dashboard gives me further control of how I want to use the site. There is a button on the dashboard page called "Add a Widget," I click it.

I then proceed to browse through the extensive library of "Widgets" that can be added to my dashboard for easy access. I add the no-brainers such as Community Events, Calendar, Recreation and Community Services and Meeting Schedules. Each of these widgets have important dates and events that I do not want to miss.There are tons more widgets than can be added that I will surely take a look at later on.

The dashboard also features news flash and activity streams showing the city's latest announcements and activities. Coolness.

Back on the main page, I notice that the color scheme of the web site is basically the same, brown and green, but the buttons are larger and more prominently displayed, easier to click and read.

The top navigation menu includes Living, Government, Departments, Business and How Do I links, each menu option contains several links that users of the site can visit.

One noticeable navigation link that is missing is the Home link. At first, I thought there was no way of getting back to the main page of the site without having to type out http://www.ci.dixon.ca.us on my web browser but then I found out that by clicking on the City of Dixon logo, it takes you to the main page.

It seems that all the old features of the web site are here too, with a few minor tweaks (mostly visual). I can still view the city council meetings, agendas, and those of Redvelopment Agency, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission.

I can still sign up for alerts from the city, which go directly to my e-mail or cell phone via text message, by clicking on the Notify Me button on the home page. One cool new feature of the site is the Report a Concern feature.

At the click of a button, I can report a variety of concerns including graffiti, sewage spills, a street light problem, illegal dumping in storm drains, street repair, a problem with the web site, trippings hazards or other concerns.

This is awesome because it provides a way for residents to keep in contact with the city, report their concerns, without having to make the trip to

Another cool feature of the site is its Recreation Registration page, where users can register for a variety of different recreational opportunities.

I'm happy to say that the city is finally taking the social network plunge and opening up both Facebook and Twitter pages to keep residents of Dixon even more informed. This is cool to me because I practically live on these social networks and it's an easy way for me to find out what's going on.

The city's social media pages are up and running for everyone to like and follow.

Visit the city's new web site and tell us what you think. We have included a poll in this story so that you can rate the city's web site. Also, don't forget to drop a comment or two.

We want to know how you like it!

Here are my ratings (out of 5)

Appearance: 5

The site has bolder colors, more prominent navigation buttons and it's clear that users are on the city's web site.

Usability: 5

So easy a caveman can do it! Yes this site is easier to use, the top navigation button and the ability to have a dashboard and widgets, this is cool.

Design: 4

I docked a point because no home button. But other than that, it's right on target

Customer Service: 5

The city is bending over backwards to assist its residents with all things that it should be assisting them with. Great job!

Editor's Note: Since this review posted, the City of Dixon has updated its web site to show the home link on the various pages.