All Pilot County RFA Implementation Coordinators and SPOCs:
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM and concluding at 7:00 PM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
There is no anticipated impact for CWS-CARES users. We are sharing this information in the unlikely circumstance that there is an actual impact during the scheduled maintenance window and the CWS-CARES application becomes inaccessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
CWDS Bulletins
CARES-Live Scheduled Maintenance - April 24, 2025 | 6PM - 8PM
All SPOCs and Technical Contacts:
The CARES-Live team has scheduled maintenance for the CARES-Live application. The maintenance is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During this scheduled maintenance the CARES-Live team will focus on application maintenance changes that are not visible to CARES-Live users.
NOTE: Users will not be able to access the CARES-Live application during the scheduled outage.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CARES-Live, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CARES-Live County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
The CARES-Live team has scheduled maintenance for the CARES-Live application. The maintenance is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During this scheduled maintenance the CARES-Live team will focus on application maintenance changes that are not visible to CARES-Live users.
NOTE: Users will not be able to access the CARES-Live application during the scheduled outage.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CARES-Live, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CARES-Live County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
CWS-CARES Implementation Team is soliciting volunteers to participate in the CARES V1 Pilot
As you know, the CWS-CARES Implementation Team is currently soliciting volunteers to participate in the CARES V1 Pilot. Over the past couple of days, we have started to receive clarifying questions about the Pilot Plan from counties who are considering volunteering.
While we are responding to these questions individually, we also thought it would be helpful to publish the questions and answers so that all counties can benefit from the additional information.
Here is a link to the Pilot Questions and Answers file where we will periodically update between now and the deadline to volunteer on Friday, April 25.
If you have additional questions, please email CWDS Implementation and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
While we are responding to these questions individually, we also thought it would be helpful to publish the questions and answers so that all counties can benefit from the additional information.
Here is a link to the Pilot Questions and Answers file where we will periodically update between now and the deadline to volunteer on Friday, April 25.
If you have additional questions, please email CWDS Implementation and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
CWS/CMS: Major Incident Status - VPN Service RESTORED
All SPOCs and Technical Contacts:
April 22, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) has restored access to the Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN).
___________________________________________________
There are reports that the Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN) is inaccessible. The CWDS Infrastructure team is working with the California Department of Technology (CDT) to determine the impact, the root cause, and to resolve this issue with the VPN.
There is currently no estimate of when VPN access will be restored. Updates will be sent out as new information is received.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CWS/CMS or with using VPN, please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
April 22, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) has restored access to the Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN).
___________________________________________________
There are reports that the Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN) is inaccessible. The CWDS Infrastructure team is working with the California Department of Technology (CDT) to determine the impact, the root cause, and to resolve this issue with the VPN.
There is currently no estimate of when VPN access will be restored. Updates will be sent out as new information is received.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CWS/CMS or with using VPN, please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
CWS/CMS: Major Incident Status –Cisco AnyConnect VPN is down - SERVICE RESTORED
All SPOCs and Technical Contacts:
April 17, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) has reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN service has been restored. VPN service should now be available. Please report to the IBM Help Desk if you encounter issues with VPN access.
_______________________________________________________________
April 17, 2025 UPDATE: There are reports that the issues with the Cisco AnyConnect VPN service have returned. The California Department of Technology (CDT) continue to investigate the issue and are working to implement a permanent solution to resolve the issue. There is no estimate of when VPN service will be available. Future updates will be provided as information becomes available.
_______________________________________________________________
April 16, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN service was restored yesterday. VPN access should be accessible now.
_______________________________________________________________
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN is down. CDT is investigating the issue and is urgently working to resolve it. Future updates will be provided as information becomes available.
April 17, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) has reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN service has been restored. VPN service should now be available. Please report to the IBM Help Desk if you encounter issues with VPN access.
_______________________________________________________________
April 17, 2025 UPDATE: There are reports that the issues with the Cisco AnyConnect VPN service have returned. The California Department of Technology (CDT) continue to investigate the issue and are working to implement a permanent solution to resolve the issue. There is no estimate of when VPN service will be available. Future updates will be provided as information becomes available.
_______________________________________________________________
April 16, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN service was restored yesterday. VPN access should be accessible now.
_______________________________________________________________
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN is down. CDT is investigating the issue and is urgently working to resolve it. Future updates will be provided as information becomes available.
CWS/CMS: Major Incident Status –Cisco AnyConnect VPN is down - SERVICE RESTORED
All SPOCs, Technical Contacts, SBC Admins, and Training Contacts:
April 16, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN service was restored yesterday. VPN access should be accessible now.
________________________________________________________________
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN is down. CDT is investigating the issue and is urgently working to resolve it. Future updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CWS/CMS, please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
April 16, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN service was restored yesterday. VPN access should be accessible now.
________________________________________________________________
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has reported that the Cisco AnyConnect VPN is down. CDT is investigating the issue and is urgently working to resolve it. Future updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CWS/CMS, please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
CWS/CMS: California Department of Technology Service Desk Bulletin – Standard Monthly OS Security Patches to SBCS Infrastructure Servers
All SPOCs, Technical Contacts, and SBC Administrators:
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has scheduled maintenance on Saturday, April 26, 2025, beginning at 6:00 AM and concluding at 10:00 AM. During the maintenance window, CDT will apply Standard Monthly OS Security Patches to SBCS Infrastructure Servers. There is no anticipated outage for this maintenance; however, CDT is asking that everyone log off from the Citrix SBC system, if not actively using it during the maintenance window.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CWS/CMS, please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has scheduled maintenance on Saturday, April 26, 2025, beginning at 6:00 AM and concluding at 10:00 AM. During the maintenance window, CDT will apply Standard Monthly OS Security Patches to SBCS Infrastructure Servers. There is no anticipated outage for this maintenance; however, CDT is asking that everyone log off from the Citrix SBC system, if not actively using it during the maintenance window.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CWS/CMS, please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
CWS-CARES Scheduled Maintenance
All Pilot County RFA Implementation Coordinators and SPOCs:
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM and concluding at 8:00 PM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
During the maintenance window, document related functionality in the CARES application will not be accessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
The CWS-CARES team has scheduled maintenance activity for the CWS-CARES production environment for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM and concluding at 8:00 PM. During the maintenance window, the CWS-CARES Resource Family Approval (RFA) Application Submission, Review, and Approval Process will be accessible for pilot counties Fresno, Placer, and Santa Clara.
During the maintenance window, document related functionality in the CARES application will not be accessible.
Action Required
No action required from end-users during this maintenance window.
If users experience any issues with the CWS-CARES, please follow your county process for reporting issues. CWS-CARES County Administrators may contact the CARES Service Desk through the CWDS ServiceNow Customer Support Management (CSM) Portal. Alternate methods are phoning 1-855-292-3444 or via email at Servicedesk@cwds.ca.gov during normal business hours. You may also email after hours, and a Service Desk representative will contact you the next business day.
CWS-CARES Data Dictionary, Training Video, and Upcoming Webinar
External Systems Points of Contact, CARES SPOCs, County Leadership, CARES Implementation Coordinators, and OCM Coordinators:
April 1, 2025 UPDATE: As stated in the original communication sent out on March 4, 2025, the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary will be published on a quarterly basis. This update is to notify everyone that v0.03 of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary is now available to view in the MS Teams channel under ‘Files.’
This updated version includes:
This email provides an update on the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary information previously communicated to External Systems Points of Contact and CARES SPOCs on February 11, 2025.
We are excited to share that the initial version of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary and legacy mapping of CWS/CMS is now available. We have also created a training video that provides a walkthrough of the materials, and a Webinar will be held on March 20, 2025 where staff can get further details and ask questions. See below for more details.
Updates since our last communication:
Under CWDS Org Share, select the CARES Data Dictionary channel.
In the CARES Data Dictionary Channel, select the Files Tab. The initial version of the Data Dictionary is available in the folder called CWS-CARES Data Dictionary v0.02.
In the CARES Data Dictionary Channel, select the Files Tab. The recorded Training video walkthrough is available in the folder called Walkthrough Recording.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we work diligently to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing maintenance of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary.
April 1, 2025 UPDATE: As stated in the original communication sent out on March 4, 2025, the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary will be published on a quarterly basis. This update is to notify everyone that v0.03 of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary is now available to view in the MS Teams channel under ‘Files.’
This updated version includes:
1) Newly added tab:
a) "Column Definitions" tab
2) Changes to the current tabs:
a) "Tables" tab - newly added/removed object names based on application development activities.
b) "Columns" tab - newly added/removed columns names based on application development activities.
c) "Relationships" tab - modified relationships based on application development activities.
d) "Columns" tab - added “Unique” column.
e) "Columns" tab - removed “DISPLAYED_ON_SCREEN” column. This column will be added back in future versions.
___________________________________________________________________________________________b) "Columns" tab - newly added/removed columns names based on application development activities.
c) "Relationships" tab - modified relationships based on application development activities.
d) "Columns" tab - added “Unique” column.
e) "Columns" tab - removed “DISPLAYED_ON_SCREEN” column. This column will be added back in future versions.
This email provides an update on the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary information previously communicated to External Systems Points of Contact and CARES SPOCs on February 11, 2025.
We are excited to share that the initial version of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary and legacy mapping of CWS/CMS is now available. We have also created a training video that provides a walkthrough of the materials, and a Webinar will be held on March 20, 2025 where staff can get further details and ask questions. See below for more details.
Updates since our last communication:
- CWS-CARES Data Dictionary Preview Session Complete: On February 13, 2025, a small group of counties previewed the Data Dictionary and provided feedback, which was incorporated into the Data Dictionary.
- New Microsoft Teams Channel: A dedicated Microsoft Teams channel has been created for all CWS-CARES Data Dictionary-related materials. Your county’s Implementation Coordinator and CWS-CARES Single Point of Contact (SPOC) will be invited to the MS Teams channel. The Teams Channel is located under the CWDS Org Share, and the Channel name is CARES Data Dictionary. See the below section For Reference: Accessing Materials in MS Teams for more instructions on how to access materials.
- CWS-CARES Data Dictionary and Legacy Mapping – Ready for Review: The initial version of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary, which incorporates legacy mapping of CWS/CMS fields is now available in the Teams channel under Files. The folder name is CWS-CARES Data Dictionary v0.02.
- Training Video Available: A training video has been uploaded to the Teams channel under Files, in the folder called Walkthrough Recording. Please watch the video before reviewing the materials to ensure a clear understanding of the content.
- FAQ Document Available: A FAQ is located on the Teams channel under CARES Data Dictionary FAQs Tab.
- Terms of Use: The CWS-CARES Data Dictionary documentation is considered sensitive and confidential. Please read the CWDS Terms of Use located on the Teams channel under Files.
- Upcoming Webinar: A webinar will be conducted on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 9 AM – 10 AM. Your county’s Implementation Coordinator and CWS-CARES SPOC will be invited, and the meeting invitation may be forwarded to others. The webinar will cover navigation of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary, utilization of the support documentation, and use of legacy mapping documentation with the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary.
- Adding Staff to the Teams Channel: We kindly ask that you email CWDS Data Management with any additional County staff names and associated email addresses and their roles that should have access to the Microsoft Teams Channel: CARES Data Dictionary.
- Updates to the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary will be published quarterly in the Teams channel. The next version will be available March 31, 2025.
- Future versions will include significant changes, including potential additional and updated legacy mapping.
- Please refer to the FAQs in the Teams channel.
- Please contact CWDS Data Management if you have any questions not covered in the FAQ or experience access issues.
Under CWDS Org Share, select the CARES Data Dictionary channel.
In the CARES Data Dictionary Channel, select the Files Tab. The initial version of the Data Dictionary is available in the folder called CWS-CARES Data Dictionary v0.02.
In the CARES Data Dictionary Channel, select the Files Tab. The recorded Training video walkthrough is available in the folder called Walkthrough Recording.
We appreciate your support and understanding as we work diligently to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing maintenance of the CWS-CARES Data Dictionary.
CWS/CMS: Major Incident Status - VPN Service Unavailable - RESOLVED
All SPOCs and Technical Contacts:
April 1, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) is reporting that the issue with the Virtual Private Network (VPN) has been resolved. Users should now be able to access VPN.
______________________________________________________________________________________
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has reported a major incident. Users are unable to connect to the Virtual Private Network (VPN). The CWDS Infrastructure team and CDT are investigating the issue. There is currently no estimate of when VPN access will be restored.
We will send out updates as new information is received.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CWS/CMS or with using VPN, please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
April 1, 2025 UPDATE: The California Department of Technology (CDT) is reporting that the issue with the Virtual Private Network (VPN) has been resolved. Users should now be able to access VPN.
______________________________________________________________________________________
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has reported a major incident. Users are unable to connect to the Virtual Private Network (VPN). The CWDS Infrastructure team and CDT are investigating the issue. There is currently no estimate of when VPN access will be restored.
We will send out updates as new information is received.
Action Required
If users experience any issues with CWS/CMS or with using VPN, please follow your county process for reporting issues or you may contact the IBM Boulder Help Desk at 1-800-428-8268.
If unable to find a specific Bulletin, please contact Communications.