How to Use CA.gov

You might have noticed that we changed our website. The new website builds upon its award-winning features with a bolder new look and improvements that provide new ways to access California government agencies through Web 2.0 social media platforms. To help you get the most of our new site, here is a quick tour through some of the features.

Bolder new design

• The homepage features a bolder design, with a prominent, colorful focal point and an inviting “highlights” carousel. The homepage gives you quick and easy access to the most essential features, including links to the state agency directory, hundreds of online services, and live help with state operator. Through the use of rotating icons and banners, we were able to fit the same amount of content in the page as before - - plus add even more.

Better search and navigation

• Tabs help you find your way around. There is a lot of information available from state agencies and departments, so we have broken the navigation down into various tabs at the top of the page to help you find your way.
• It’s easier to find things. Every page has a search box at the top right corner. It is powered by Google, and we have made improvements behind the scenes in the way we tag pages to improve your search results.
• Most requested information at your fingertips. You can find the most commonly requested for information under three content areas called Working, Living, and Visiting. This lets you move quickly to the content you want fast.

More ways to get in touch

• The Agency Directory provides quick links to agency websites, contact information, and email addresses. You can find it at the bottom right-hand corner. All government links (city, county, state, federal) can be found by clicking on the link “Government Links” in the blue bar at the top of the page.
• A “Connect With Us” area provides quick and easy access to California’s mobile website as well as social media links such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace.
• You can subscribe to email alerts, RSS feeds, podcasts, widgets, and more by going to our “Subscribe CA” area on the homepage.
• You can talk to a live operator by clicking on the “Live Help” button. Operators provide live help Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PDT)

Expanded multimedia section

• You can get to our new multimedia page by clicking on our Multimedia link in the blue bar at the top. Once there, you will find links to Blogs and Social Media, Photographs, Audio, Videos, Podcasts, and Webcams.

Please be sure to tell us what you think of the new site. Are you having any problems using it? We will do our best to help. Would you like to see more features? We’ll put them on our to-do list.

Leave us a comment, Thanks!

Use the Site Map. The Site Map is a quick reference to all major pages on the CA.gov website.