🌐 CalTekNet 2025
🚀 Quick Navigation
📄 Proposal Documents
💰 Financial Planning
⚙️ Technical Infrastructure
🤝 Strategic Partnerships
📅 Implementation Strategy
📊 Research & Documentation
📄 Executive Summary
Mission Statement
CalTekNet 2025 integrates ancient Kemetic engineering wisdom with Afrofuturist village design, creating community-controlled technology sovereignty through democratic governance, cooperative economic development, and emergency resilience across Los Angeles County's historically underserved communities.
Art$ & Tek: Ancient Wisdom to Afrofuturist Innovation
CalTekNet draws from ancient Kemetic engineering, design and practices fast-forwarded to create Jacque Fresco Venus Project inspired Afrofuturist village environmental experiences. This foundation integrates:
🏺 Ancient African Technologies Alive in LA
- Cyanic Technology of the Nok (Nigeria, 2000+ years ago) - Advanced metallurgy and engineering
- Ife Innovations (Nigerian heritage) - Sophisticated urban planning and artistic traditions
- Dogon Astronomical Knowledge - Mathematical and cosmic understanding systems
- Living Heritage: These cultures and technologies are alive and well in Los Angeles
🏛️ Pre-Columbian to Renaissance Integration
- Aztec Engineering - Hydraulic systems and sustainable urban design
- Conquistador Exchange - Technology transfer and cultural synthesis
- Pre-Italian Renaissance - Humanist and discovery art eras informing community design
- 12 Regional Fortress Model: LA's Neighborhood Council regions as fortress of decentralized utilities and capabilities
STREAMS Expanded Framework
Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
+ Rivers, Rights, Real, Rain, Ram (Resources, Relationships, Reality, Renewal, Resilience)
+ Systems, Silence, Serving, Surfing, Smiling, Shining, Sharing (Sustainability, Spirituality, Service, Flow, Joy, Brilliance, Community)
This expanded STREAMS framework creates comprehensive organizational structure for community technology sovereignty that honors both ancient wisdom and futurist innovation.
Project Overview
CalTekNet represents the culmination of Kenneth Wyrick's 30+ years of community technology organizing, creating Los Angeles's first municipally-integrated, community-controlled smart city alternative. Building on proven track record from R.A.I.N Santa Barbara (1990), NetDay.org school infrastructure, CTCNet.org founding board, and successful Community Partners fiscal sponsorship management through ASNTB Time Banking (2008-2020).
Strategic Integration with SmartLA 2028
CalTekNet directly addresses critical gaps in LA's SmartLA 2028 strategy:
- Digital Divide Crisis: Connectivity decreasing in South LA, Watts, Pacoima - CalTekNet provides community-owned infrastructure
- Democratic Participation: Neighborhood council aggregation provides structured resident input to municipal technology decisions
- Equitable Distribution: Community planning ensures technology serves residents rather than corporate profits
Community Partners Return Partnership
Building on ASNTB Time Banking success (2008-2020) - 15+ years successful Community Partners relationship demonstrating financial accountability, democratic governance, and measurable community impact in economic development and emergency response coordination.
18-Month Goal Summary
- 15 neighborhood councils with community-owned broadband access
- 5 pilot schools with newly formed Parent Teacher Associations
- 3 CHERP Solar installations providing energy independence
- 500+ community members trained in technology literacy
- 8 community jobs created with career advancement pathways
- 75% self-sufficiency through diversified revenue streams
🌍 Afrofuturist Vision: Ancient Wisdom to Future Communities
Art$ & Tek: Kemetic Engineering to Venus Project Villages
CalTekNet integrates ancient Kemetic engineering, design and practices with Jacque Fresco Venus Project Afrofuturist village concepts, creating environmental experiences of being that honor ancestral wisdom while pioneering sustainable futures.
🏺 Living African Technologies in Los Angeles
Cyanic Technology of the Nok (Nigeria, 2000+ Years)
- Advanced Metallurgy: Iron working and sophisticated tool creation inspiring modern maker spaces
- Terracotta Artistry: Cultural preservation through digital heritage and NFT marketplaces
- Community Workshops: Collective production models informing worker cooperatives
- LA Integration: Nigerian diaspora communities maintaining these traditions in neighborhood councils
Ife Innovations (Nigerian Heritage)
- Urban Planning Mastery: Sophisticated city design influencing LA regional coordination
- Bronze Casting Excellence: Artistic traditions inspiring community media production
- Royal Court Systems: Democratic governance models adapted for neighborhood council assemblies
- Cultural Continuity: Maintaining artistic and organizational traditions through digital platforms
Dogon Astronomical Knowledge
- Mathematical Systems: Complex calculations informing community data sovereignty
- Cosmic Understanding: Long-term thinking applied to sustainability planning
- Calendar Systems: Time-based community organizing and project management
- Oral Tradition: Knowledge preservation through Avalon storytelling platforms
🏛️ Aztec-Conquistador-Renaissance Synthesis
Pre-Italian Renaissance Integration
Aztec Engineering + Conquistador Exchange + Humanist Art creating comprehensive community design framework:
- Hydraulic Mastery: Aztec water management systems inspiring CHERP Solar and sustainable infrastructure
- Chinampas Agriculture: Floating gardens model for urban food sovereignty and community land trust development
- Conquistador Technology Transfer: Cultural synthesis approaches applied to community technology sovereignty
- Renaissance Humanism: Art and science integration through STREAMS expanded framework
🌆 12 Regional Fortress Model
LA Neighborhood Council Regions as Decentralized Fortress
Transforming LA's 12 administrative regions into "fortress of decentralized utilities and capabilities" using ancient defensive strategies adapted for community technology sovereignty:
- Distributed Infrastructure: Each region maintains independent mesh networks and energy systems
- Resource Redundancy: Cross-regional sharing while maintaining local autonomy
- Cultural Preservation: Each fortress maintains unique community heritage and identity
- Democratic Coordination: Regional federation enabling collective defense against corporate extraction
🌿 STREAMS Expanded: Comprehensive Framework
Original STEM to Full Ecosystem
Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
+ Rivers, Rights, Real, Rain, Ram (Resources, Relationships, Reality, Renewal, Resilience)
+ Systems, Silence, Serving, Surfing, Smiling, Shining, Sharing (Sustainability, Spirituality, Service, Flow, Joy, Brilliance, Community)
Organizational Structure Applications
- Rivers: Water justice and community resource management
- Rights: Technology sovereignty and democratic governance
- Real: Authentic community control and ownership
- Rain: Climate adaptation and resilience planning
- Ram: Community power and breakthrough capacity
- Systems: Integrated platform and network coordination
- Silence: Contemplation and strategic planning spaces
- Serving: Community mutual aid and cooperative development
- Surfing: Flow states and adaptive responsiveness
- Smiling: Joy and celebration in community building
- Shining: Excellence and brilliance in all activities
- Sharing: Open source principles and resource distribution
🚀 Venus Project Integration
Jacque Fresco Inspired Community Design
Resource-Based Economics + Sustainable Technology + Democratic Planning creating Afrofuturist villages within LA's urban environment:
- Circular Economics: Worker cooperatives and time banking eliminating waste
- Automation Ethics: Technology serving community rather than replacing workers
- Environmental Integration: CHERP Solar and sustainable infrastructure harmonizing with natural systems
- Education Revolution: STREAMS framework creating holistic learning environments
- Abundance Mindset: Community ownership ensuring prosperity for all residents
🎨 Cultural Heritage Alive in Los Angeles
Living Traditions, Future Innovation
These ancient technologies and wisdom systems are alive and well in Los Angeles through diaspora communities, cultural organizations, and artistic traditions. CalTekNet provides the technological infrastructure to preserve, celebrate, and evolve these heritages while building sustainable community futures.
⚙️ Seven Integrated Project Components
1. Community Technology Sovereignty
Deploy community-owned digital platforms using Odoo 18CE enterprise software with LibreRouter and LibreMesh mesh networks providing community-controlled internet access independent of corporate ISPs. Democratic governance ensures residents control all technology decisions through transparent community assemblies.
2. Educational Ecosystem Development
Establish Parent Teacher Associations at 25 pilot schools currently without organized family engagement, using bilingual digital literacy programs and USC academic partnerships across engineering, policy, and communication departments.
3. Energy Democracy
Launch community-owned CHERP Solar installations (Community Health, Education, Recreation, Power) with democratic revenue sharing and emergency backup systems powering mesh network infrastructure.
4. Alumni-House Foundation
Create intergenerational wealth building where former residents democratically invest in current community development priorities, maintaining cultural continuity while building economic power and preventing displacement.
5. Cooperative Economics
Develop worker cooperatives and community-controlled enterprises generating local employment and keeping wealth within community hands. Democratic business governance ensures shared ownership and decision-making authority.
6. Cultural Preservation
Establish digital heritage archives using Avalon storytelling platforms and Omeka.net for community-controlled documentation of local history, oral traditions, and cultural assets.
7. Emergency Response Networks
Deploy Ushahidi crisis mapping systems and mutual aid coordination platforms ensuring community resilience during disasters with mesh network backup communications.
💰 Detailed Budget Breakdown
Budget Summary
Total Request: $75,000 over 18 months
Community Investment: $30,750 (40.9% cost-share)
Total Project Value: $105,750
| Category | Item | Amount | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERSONNEL (66.4%) | |||
| Kenneth Wyrick, Project Director (0.5 FTE) Community technology leadership, fiscal management, USC partnerships |
$45,000 | 60.0% | |
| Community Technology Coordinator (0.25 FTE) Neighborhood council liaison, mesh network deployment |
$18,000 | 24.0% | |
| Educational Program Manager (0.25 FTE) PTA development, USC coordination, community college partnerships |
$17,500 | 23.3% | |
| Technical Support Specialist (Contract) Platform maintenance, user training, emergency response |
$8,400 | 11.2% | |
| INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY (28.0%) | |||
| CENIC CalREN Membership & Setup Research-grade network access, enterprise connectivity |
$12,000 | 16.0% | |
| LibreRouter & Mesh Equipment Community-controlled internet, 5 NC installations |
$8,000 | 10.7% | |
| CHERP Solar Pilot Installation Community energy independence, emergency backup |
$15,000 | 20.0% | |
| COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (12.0%) | |||
| Digital Literacy Training Bilingual programming, family engagement |
$6,000 | 8.0% | |
| PTA Development Support 5 schools, parent organizing, educational advocacy |
$4,000 | 5.3% | |
| TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET | $75,000 | 100.0% | |
📈 Revenue Sources & Fundraising Strategy
Diversified Funding Approach
| Revenue Source | Year 1 Amount | % of Budget | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Grants | $45,000 | 60.0% | Pending Application |
| Partnership Revenue | $18,750 | 25.0% | Committed |
| Community Contributions | $7,500 | 10.0% | Development |
| Training & Consulting | $3,750 | 5.0% | Projected |
Foundation Targets
- California Wellness Foundation ($15,000): Health equity and community resilience focus
- Liberty Hill Foundation ($15,000): Social justice and community empowerment
- Neighborhood Funders Group ($15,000): Community organizing and democratic participation
Sustainability Trajectory
- Year 1: 40% self-sufficiency (partnerships + community contributions)
- Year 2: 58% self-sufficiency (cooperative enterprises launch)
- Year 3: 75% self-sufficiency (municipal contracts + cooperatives)
🤝 In-Kind Contributions & Cost-Share
Strong Community Investment
Total In-Kind Value: $30,750
Cost-Share Ratio: 40.9% (exceeding 30% Community Partners requirement)
Total Project Value: $105,750
Community Volunteer Contributions ($13,500)
- Democratic Governance (200 hrs @ $20/hr): $4,000 - Monthly assemblies, consensus building
- Peer Technology Education (100 hrs @ $30/hr): $3,000 - Digital literacy training, platform support
- Community Organizing (150 hrs @ $15/hr): $2,250 - Grassroots outreach, relationship building
- Family Engagement (120 hrs @ $15/hr): $1,800 - PTA development, school coordination
- Youth Leadership (80 hrs @ $15/hr): $1,200 - Technology mentoring, career development
- Senior Integration (100 hrs @ $12.50/hr): $1,250 - Wisdom integration, accessibility design
Academic Partnership Contributions ($10,000)
- USC Faculty Research (100 hrs @ $50/hr): $5,000 - Engineering, policy, communication expertise
- Graduate Student Support (150 hrs @ $20/hr): $3,000 - Community impact assessment, technical development
- University Infrastructure: $1,500 - Meeting spaces, equipment, research facilities
- Academic Publications: $500 - Research presentation, policy development
Community Infrastructure Contributions ($7,250)
- Dr. Batie Mobile STEM Lab: $3,000 - Educational infrastructure, African American leadership
- Neighborhood Council Facilities: $2,000 - Meeting spaces across 99 governance districts
- Technology Equipment Sharing: $1,500 - Drone technology, training materials
- Community Networks: $750 - Outreach, volunteer recruitment, credibility
🤝 Strategic Partnerships
🎓 USC Academic Collaboration
Multi-Departmental Partnership: Engineering, Price School of Public Policy, and Annenberg Communication providing research collaboration, graduate student support, and academic credibility for community organizing and policy advocacy.
- Faculty research time and expertise
- Graduate student internships and research projects
- University facilities and equipment access
- Academic publication and policy development
🏫 Dr. Batie Mobile STEM Lab
54th Street Educational Anchor: African American-owned educational infrastructure providing immediate deployment capacity, community credibility, and cultural competency programming ensuring responsive and effective services.
- Mobile STEM lab operational support
- Educational equipment and curriculum sharing
- African American community leadership
- Cultural competency programming
🌐 CENIC CalREN + AI Research Network
Enhanced Integration: D.O.N.E member institutions connect to Cisco CENIC AIR as researchers, instructors, student users, or participants contributing compute and storage resources, creating a powerful statewide AI and machine learning innovation resource that lowers barriers to entry and enables participation in the National Research Platform.
- AI/ML Innovation Access: Community participation in statewide artificial intelligence research
- Compute Resource Sharing: Neighborhood councils contributing to distributed computing network
- Research Collaboration: Communities as researchers, not just subjects
- National Platform Integration: Local community access to national research infrastructure
- Democratized Innovation: Lowered barriers enabling community technology sovereignty
- Emergency ML Systems: AI-enhanced crisis response and mutual aid coordination
🏛️ Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE)
Municipal Integration: Enhancement rather than replacement of LA's existing democratic infrastructure through 99 Neighborhood Council districts, providing technology sovereignty within formal governmental structure.
- Regional coordinator collaboration
- Neighborhood council technology integration
- Municipal interface development
- Policy advocacy coordination
🏘️ Community Organizations
Grassroots Alliance: Strategic partnerships with established community organizations ensuring cultural competency, anti-displacement focus, and comprehensive social justice approach.
- Mothers of East LA: Latino community engagement and cultural competency
- SAJE: Economic justice and anti-displacement organizing
- LA Community Land Trust: Community ownership models and legal frameworks
- BridgeLA: Digital divide organizing and device distribution
📅 18-Month Implementation Timeline
Q3 2025 (July-September): Foundation Building
- Community organizing and needs assessment across priority regions
- CENIC CalREN partnership activation and connectivity establishment
- Dr. Batie Mobile STEM Lab integration
- Department of Neighborhood Empowerment partnership formalization
Q4 2025 (October-December): Infrastructure Deployment
- LibreRouter/LibreMesh mesh network installation across 5 neighborhood councils
- Odoo 18CE platform customization for NC governance integration
- CHERP Solar installation pilot projects with democratic revenue sharing
- Community advisory board election and governance structure establishment
Q1 2026 (January-March): Educational Ecosystem Launch
- Parent Teacher Association development at 5 pilot schools
- USC academic partnership activation across multiple departments
- Bilingual digital literacy programs with community health worker integration
- Worker cooperative launch with democratic governance and shared ownership
Q2-Q4 2026: Scaling and Sustainability
- Expansion to 15 total neighborhood councils with demonstrated community demand
- Revenue diversification achieving 75% self-sufficiency through cooperative enterprises
- Statewide replication preparation and movement building coordination
- Academic research publication documenting community technology effectiveness
👥 Leadership & Governance
Kenneth M. Wyrick - Project Director
30+ Years Community Technology Leadership
Proven Track Record: R.A.I.N Santa Barbara (1990), NetDay.org, CTCNet.org founding board, ASNTB Time Banking successful Community Partners fiscal sponsorship (2008-2020)
Technical Expertise
- Odoo enterprise software specialist - Version 11CE through current 18CE
- Docker Swarm cluster management - Currently operating at One Wilshire, LA
- LibreRouter and LibreMesh deployment - Community-controlled internet access
- CENIC CalREN membership qualification - Research-grade connectivity
Community Organizing Experience
- 15+ years fiscal sponsorship management - ASNTB Community Partners success
- Democratic governance facilitation - Monthly assemblies with accessibility
- Neighborhood council integration - Boyle Heights NC founding (2002)
- Cooperative movement participation - Democratic business development
Community Advisory Board Structure
7 Members, 2-Year Terms with Recall Procedures
- Geographic Representatives: Regions 5 (West/Coastal), 8 (San Fernando Valley), 9 (Northeast LA), 10 (South LA) ensuring diverse community input across key areas
- Demographic Inclusion: Youth (16-25), Senior (55+), Parent representatives ensuring intergenerational perspectives
- Powers: Budget oversight, program evaluation, strategic planning, conflict resolution
- Accountability: Monthly financial review, quarterly impact assessment with community recall procedures
Democratic Governance Model
Monthly Community Assemblies
- Translation services in Spanish, Korean, Armenian, other community languages
- Childcare provision and family-friendly meeting structure
- Multiple participation methods - In-person, virtual, hybrid options
- Consensus building and collaborative decision-making processes
51% Community Ownership Requirements
- All cooperative enterprises maintain resident decision-making authority
- Technology platforms under democratic community control
- Budget priorities determined by community assemblies
- Personnel decisions with community employment priority
📊 Impact Measurement & Success Metrics
Quantitative Success Indicators
Democratic Participation
- Community assembly attendance: Target 75%+ resident participation in governance
- PTA formation success: 100% of 5 pilot schools maintaining active engagement after 18 months
- Technology adoption: 90%+ of trained community members actively using platforms
- Youth leadership development: 50+ young people in technology and organizing roles
Educational Equity Outcomes
- Parent advocacy effectiveness: Measurable improvements in school responsiveness
- Digital literacy advancement: 80%+ skill improvement in community training
- Bilingual programming: 200+ Latino families engaged in Spanish-language programming
- Academic achievement correlation: Track student outcomes in PTA schools vs. control groups
Economic Justice Impact
- Community wealth retention: $50,000+ annual value kept within community control
- Employment creation: 15+ full-time equivalent jobs across cooperative enterprises
- Energy independence: 25%+ reduction in community energy costs through CHERP Solar
- Revenue diversification: 5+ distinct community-controlled income streams
Community Accountability Systems
Democratic Oversight
- Open books policy - All financial records accessible to community members
- Quarterly evaluation - Community assessment and program modification
- Grievance systems - Multiple reporting channels and transparent resolution
- Community data sovereignty - Resident control over all technology platforms
Continuous Improvement Process
- Cultural responsiveness evaluation - Programming accessibility and competency assessment
- Geographic equity analysis - Ensuring proportional resources across all NCs
- Economic accessibility adjustment - Sliding-scale and mutual aid support
- Technology barrier reduction - Peer education and multiple interface options
🤝 Community Partners Relationship
Proven Partnership History
ASNTB Time Banking Success (2008-2020)
15 years successful project management demonstrating sustained financial accountability, democratic governance, and measurable community impact in economic development and emergency response coordination.
Demonstrated Capacity
- Financial accountability - Clean audits and transparent community reporting
- Democratic governance - Community assemblies and resident oversight
- Community impact - Economic development and emergency response coordination
- Institutional knowledge - Established Community Partners relationship
Service Expectations
Financial Services (Primary Priority)
Monthly financial statements, tax accounting, and unified audit providing transparency and accountability essential for community trust and democratic governance.
Capacity Building (Strategic Priority)
Thought partnership and Meet the Funder sessions connecting with foundation relationships and strategic guidance for sustainable development.
Human Resources Services
Payroll and benefits administration enabling professional employment for community members while maintaining focus on organizing and program delivery.
Community Building (Movement Integration)
Connection with other fiscally sponsored projects for resource sharing and strategic collaboration across digital equity, housing justice, and economic democracy initiatives.
Administrative Framework
- Fee structure acceptance: 9% on private sources, 15% on public sources
- Risk management: Compliance with policies, contract review, lobbying rules
- Regular reporting: Communication on programs, fundraising, board development
- Visible acknowledgment: Community Partners relationship on all materials
📞 Contact Information
Project Leadership
Kenneth M. Wyrick
Project Director, CalTekNet 2025
Community Technology Organizing | 30+ Years Experience
Professional Background
- Community Technology Pioneer: R.A.I.N Santa Barbara (1990), NetDay.org, CTCNet.org founding
- Fiscal Sponsorship Expert: ASNTB Time Banking Community Partners success (2008-2020)
- Technical Infrastructure: Odoo 18CE, Docker Swarm, LibreRouter/LibreMesh deployment
- Democratic Governance: Community assemblies, cooperative development, neighborhood council integration
Current Infrastructure
- Technical Platform: Docker Swarm cluster at One Wilshire, Los Angeles
- Network Access: CENIC CalREN research-grade connectivity qualification
- Community Partnerships: USC, Dr. Batie STEM Lab, Neighborhood Council network
- Experience Base: 15+ years successful Community Partners fiscal sponsorship
Application Status
Ready for Community Partners Submission
Complete proposal narrative, budget worksheet, and supporting documentation prepared for fiscal sponsorship application review process.
Next Steps
- Submit complete application by odd-numbered month deadline
- Prepare for Community Partners board presentation if selected
- Coordinate with foundation funders and community partners
- Launch community organizing and infrastructure development (July 2025 target)
🏛️ Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council: Historical Foundation
BHNC Geographic & Demographic Context
~20,000 Stakeholders | 1:1 Geographic Alignment with LA Planning Department Region
Census Data Integration: DONE-provided demographic analysis with interactive mapping capabilities
Kenneth Wyrick's BHNC Founding Role (2002)
Kenneth co-founded the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council in 2002 with Dr. Randal Pinkett (now BCT Partners CEO and former Apprentice winner), establishing one of LA's first community governance districts using:
- Census Data Analysis: DONE-provided demographic information for boundary determination
- Interactive Mapping: Early GIS implementation for community engagement
- Stakeholder Democracy: Inclusive voting rights for residents, workers, visitors (citizenship-independent)
- Regional Planning Integration: Geographic alignment with LA Planning Department boundaries
BHNC Stakeholder Model
Inclusive Democratic Participation
Independent of US Citizenship: NC stakeholder voting privileges extend to anyone who lives, works, passes through, or has interest in the geographic area. This foundational principle creates truly inclusive community governance.
Community-Proposed Boundaries
Open Formation Process: Any person or group could propose NC formation and boundaries, leading to organic community-defined districts rather than top-down municipal divisions.
BHNC.net Evolution & Digital Democracy
Historical Website Development
- Early 2000s: Basic community information and meeting announcements
- Mid 2000s: Integration with city's NC portal and DONE coordination
- 2010s: Enhanced community engagement and digital participation tools
- Current Status: Platform for democratic governance and community organizing
Regional NC Service Voting Initiative
Mass Movement Potential: CalTekNet builds on BHNC's proven stakeholder model to create regional federation of neighborhood councils with shared technology infrastructure and coordinated democratic governance.
Movement Building Strategy
- 99 Neighborhood Councils: Existing democratic infrastructure for regional coordination
- Stakeholder Inclusion: Citizenship-independent voting creating broader community engagement
- Technology Integration: Community-controlled platforms enabling cross-NC collaboration
- Data Sovereignty: Local control over community information and democratic processes
From Local to Regional: BHNC Model Expansion
Proven Democratic Governance
BHNC's 20+ year success demonstrates that community-controlled governance can operate effectively within municipal structures while maintaining grassroots autonomy. CalTekNet scales this model across LA's regional structure.
Geographic Data Integration
Census + DONE Data: Combining federal demographic data with municipal neighborhood empowerment information creates comprehensive community profiles enabling:
- Targeted technology deployment based on community needs
- Resource allocation ensuring geographic equity
- Democratic participation tracking and improvement
- Anti-displacement monitoring and community protection
Technology Sovereignty Foundation
From BHNC to CalTekNet
Kenneth's BHNC founding experience provides the democratic governance foundation for CalTekNet's technology sovereignty approach - proving that communities can control their own infrastructure and decision-making processes within formal municipal systems.
🌐 CalTekNet 2025
🚀 Quick Navigation
📄 Proposal Documents
💰 Financial Planning
⚙️ Technical Infrastructure
🤝 Strategic Partnerships
📅 Implementation Strategy
📊 Research & Documentation
📄 Executive Summary
Mission Statement
CalTekNet 2025 integrates ancient Kemetic engineering wisdom with Afrofuturist village design, creating community-controlled technology sovereignty through democratic governance, cooperative economic development, and emergency resilience across Los Angeles County's historically underserved communities.
Art$ & Tek: Ancient Wisdom to Afrofuturist Innovation
CalTekNet draws from ancient Kemetic engineering, design and practices fast-forwarded to create Jacque Fresco Venus Project inspired Afrofuturist village environmental experiences. This foundation integrates:
🏺 Ancient African Technologies Alive in LA
- Cyanic Technology of the Nok (Nigeria, 2000+ years ago) - Advanced metallurgy and engineering
- Ife Innovations (Nigerian heritage) - Sophisticated urban planning and artistic traditions
- Dogon Astronomical Knowledge - Mathematical and cosmic understanding systems
- Living Heritage: These cultures and technologies are alive and well in Los Angeles
🏛️ Pre-Columbian to Renaissance Integration
- Aztec Engineering - Hydraulic systems and sustainable urban design
- Conquistador Exchange - Technology transfer and cultural synthesis
- Pre-Italian Renaissance - Humanist and discovery art eras informing community design
- 12 Regional Fortress Model: LA's Neighborhood Council regions as fortress of decentralized utilities and capabilities
STREAMS Expanded Framework
Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
+ Rivers, Rights, Real, Rain, Ram (Resources, Relationships, Reality, Renewal, Resilience)
+ Systems, Silence, Serving, Surfing, Smiling, Shining, Sharing (Sustainability, Spirituality, Service, Flow, Joy, Brilliance, Community)
This expanded STREAMS framework creates comprehensive organizational structure for community technology sovereignty that honors both ancient wisdom and futurist innovation.
Project Overview
CalTekNet represents the culmination of Kenneth Wyrick's 30+ years of community technology organizing, creating Los Angeles's first municipally-integrated, community-controlled smart city alternative. Building on proven track record from R.A.I.N Santa Barbara (1990), NetDay.org school infrastructure, CTCNet.org founding board, and successful Community Partners fiscal sponsorship management through ASNTB Time Banking (2008-2020).
Strategic Integration with SmartLA 2028
CalTekNet directly addresses critical gaps in LA's SmartLA 2028 strategy:
- Digital Divide Crisis: Connectivity decreasing in South LA, Watts, Pacoima - CalTekNet provides community-owned infrastructure
- Democratic Participation: Neighborhood council aggregation provides structured resident input to municipal technology decisions
- Equitable Distribution: Community planning ensures technology serves residents rather than corporate profits
Community Partners Return Partnership
Building on ASNTB Time Banking success (2008-2020) - 15+ years successful Community Partners relationship demonstrating financial accountability, democratic governance, and measurable community impact in economic development and emergency response coordination.
18-Month Goal Summary
- 15 neighborhood councils with community-owned broadband access
- 5 pilot schools with newly formed Parent Teacher Associations
- 3 CHERP Solar installations providing energy independence
- 500+ community members trained in technology literacy
- 8 community jobs created with career advancement pathways
- 75% self-sufficiency through diversified revenue streams
🌍 Afrofuturist Vision: Ancient Wisdom to Future Communities
Art$ & Tek: Kemetic Engineering to Venus Project Villages
CalTekNet integrates ancient Kemetic engineering, design and practices with Jacque Fresco Venus Project Afrofuturist village concepts, creating environmental experiences of being that honor ancestral wisdom while pioneering sustainable futures.
🏺 Living African Technologies in Los Angeles
Cyanic Technology of the Nok (Nigeria, 2000+ Years)
- Advanced Metallurgy: Iron working and sophisticated tool creation inspiring modern maker spaces
- Terracotta Artistry: Cultural preservation through digital heritage and NFT marketplaces
- Community Workshops: Collective production models informing worker cooperatives
- LA Integration: Nigerian diaspora communities maintaining these traditions in neighborhood councils
Ife Innovations (Nigerian Heritage)
- Urban Planning Mastery: Sophisticated city design influencing LA regional coordination
- Bronze Casting Excellence: Artistic traditions inspiring community media production
- Royal Court Systems: Democratic governance models adapted for neighborhood council assemblies
- Cultural Continuity: Maintaining artistic and organizational traditions through digital platforms
Dogon Astronomical Knowledge
- Mathematical Systems: Complex calculations informing community data sovereignty
- Cosmic Understanding: Long-term thinking applied to sustainability planning
- Calendar Systems: Time-based community organizing and project management
- Oral Tradition: Knowledge preservation through Avalon storytelling platforms
🏛️ Aztec-Conquistador-Renaissance Synthesis
Pre-Italian Renaissance Integration
Aztec Engineering + Conquistador Exchange + Humanist Art creating comprehensive community design framework:
- Hydraulic Mastery: Aztec water management systems inspiring CHERP Solar and sustainable infrastructure
- Chinampas Agriculture: Floating gardens model for urban food sovereignty and community land trust development
- Conquistador Technology Transfer: Cultural synthesis approaches applied to community technology sovereignty
- Renaissance Humanism: Art and science integration through STREAMS expanded framework
🌆 12 Regional Fortress Model
LA Neighborhood Council Regions as Decentralized Fortress
Transforming LA's 12 administrative regions into "fortress of decentralized utilities and capabilities" using ancient defensive strategies adapted for community technology sovereignty:
- Distributed Infrastructure: Each region maintains independent mesh networks and energy systems
- Resource Redundancy: Cross-regional sharing while maintaining local autonomy
- Cultural Preservation: Each fortress maintains unique community heritage and identity
- Democratic Coordination: Regional federation enabling collective defense against corporate extraction
🌿 STREAMS Expanded: Comprehensive Framework
Original STEM to Full Ecosystem
Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
+ Rivers, Rights, Real, Rain, Ram (Resources, Relationships, Reality, Renewal, Resilience)
+ Systems, Silence, Serving, Surfing, Smiling, Shining, Sharing (Sustainability, Spirituality, Service, Flow, Joy, Brilliance, Community)
Organizational Structure Applications
- Rivers: Water justice and community resource management
- Rights: Technology sovereignty and democratic governance
- Real: Authentic community control and ownership
- Rain: Climate adaptation and resilience planning
- Ram: Community power and breakthrough capacity
- Systems: Integrated platform and network coordination
- Silence: Contemplation and strategic planning spaces
- Serving: Community mutual aid and cooperative development
- Surfing: Flow states and adaptive responsiveness
- Smiling: Joy and celebration in community building
- Shining: Excellence and brilliance in all activities
- Sharing: Open source principles and resource distribution
🚀 Venus Project Integration
Jacque Fresco Inspired Community Design
Resource-Based Economics + Sustainable Technology + Democratic Planning creating Afrofuturist villages within LA's urban environment:
- Circular Economics: Worker cooperatives and time banking eliminating waste
- Automation Ethics: Technology serving community rather than replacing workers
- Environmental Integration: CHERP Solar and sustainable infrastructure harmonizing with natural systems
- Education Revolution: STREAMS framework creating holistic learning environments
- Abundance Mindset: Community ownership ensuring prosperity for all residents
🎨 Cultural Heritage Alive in Los Angeles
Living Traditions, Future Innovation
These ancient technologies and wisdom systems are alive and well in Los Angeles through diaspora communities, cultural organizations, and artistic traditions. CalTekNet provides the technological infrastructure to preserve, celebrate, and evolve these heritages while building sustainable community futures.
🎯 Social Issues & Community Solutions
Community-Identified Problems
Educational Inequity Crisis
- 25+ Los Angeles schools lack organized Parent Teacher Associations, leaving families without systematic advocacy
- Language barriers prevent Latino families from participating in school technology decisions
- Foster care youth face additional challenges accessing educational technology and advocacy
- Intergenerational digital divides separate families and prevent knowledge sharing
Corporate Technology Extraction
- Communities depend on corporate ISPs that extract data and wealth with no community ownership
- Municipal technology decisions made without community input, serving corporate profits
- Surveillance technology deployment without consent or democratic oversight
- Technology platform monopolies preventing community-controlled alternatives
Democratic Solutions Framework
Community Assembly Decision-Making
Monthly community assemblies with translation, childcare, and multiple participation methods ensuring all residents engage in budget and program decisions. 51% community ownership requirement ensures technology serves community priorities.
Community Advisory Structure
- 7-member elected advisory board with 2-year terms and recall procedures
- Geographic representation from affected neighborhoods ensuring diverse input
- Demographic inclusion of youth, seniors, immigrant families, longtime residents
- Economic democracy through worker cooperative participants
Accountability Mechanisms
- Budget transparency through open books and democratic approval
- Program effectiveness review with resident-controlled evaluation
- Community data sovereignty preventing surveillance while enabling coordination
- Grievance systems with transparent resolution processes
⚙️ Seven Integrated Project Components
1. Community Technology Sovereignty
Deploy community-owned digital platforms using Odoo 18CE enterprise software with LibreRouter and LibreMesh mesh networks providing community-controlled internet access independent of corporate ISPs. Democratic governance ensures residents control all technology decisions through transparent community assemblies.
2. Educational Ecosystem Development
Establish Parent Teacher Associations at 25 pilot schools currently without organized family engagement, using bilingual digital literacy programs and USC academic partnerships across engineering, policy, and communication departments.
3. Energy Democracy
Launch community-owned CHERP Solar installations (Community Health, Education, Recreation, Power) with democratic revenue sharing and emergency backup systems powering mesh network infrastructure.
4. Alumni-House Foundation
Create intergenerational wealth building where former residents democratically invest in current community development priorities, maintaining cultural continuity while building economic power and preventing displacement.
5. Cooperative Economics
Develop worker cooperatives and community-controlled enterprises generating local employment and keeping wealth within community hands. Democratic business governance ensures shared ownership and decision-making authority.
6. Cultural Preservation
Establish digital heritage archives using Avalon storytelling platforms and Omeka.net for community-controlled documentation of local history, oral traditions, and cultural assets.
7. Emergency Response Networks
Deploy Ushahidi crisis mapping systems and mutual aid coordination platforms ensuring community resilience during disasters with mesh network backup communications.
💰 Detailed Budget Breakdown
Budget Summary
Total Request: $75,000 over 18 months
Community Investment: $30,750 (40.9% cost-share)
Total Project Value: $105,750
| Category | Item | Amount | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERSONNEL (66.4%) | |||
| Kenneth Wyrick, Project Director (0.5 FTE) Community technology leadership, fiscal management, USC partnerships |
$45,000 | 60.0% | |
| Community Technology Coordinator (0.25 FTE) Neighborhood council liaison, mesh network deployment |
$18,000 | 24.0% | |
| Educational Program Manager (0.25 FTE) PTA development, USC coordination, community college partnerships |
$17,500 | 23.3% | |
| Technical Support Specialist (Contract) Platform maintenance, user training, emergency response |
$8,400 | 11.2% | |
| INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY (28.0%) | |||
| CENIC CalREN Membership & Setup Research-grade network access, enterprise connectivity |
$12,000 | 16.0% | |
| LibreRouter & Mesh Equipment Community-controlled internet, 5 NC installations |
$8,000 | 10.7% | |
| CHERP Solar Pilot Installation Community energy independence, emergency backup |
$15,000 | 20.0% | |
| COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (12.0%) | |||
| Digital Literacy Training Bilingual programming, family engagement |
$6,000 | 8.0% | |
| PTA Development Support 5 schools, parent organizing, educational advocacy |
$4,000 | 5.3% | |
| TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET | $75,000 | 100.0% | |
📈 Revenue Sources & Fundraising Strategy
Diversified Funding Approach
| Revenue Source | Year 1 Amount | % of Budget | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Grants | $45,000 | 60.0% | Pending Application |
| Partnership Revenue | $18,750 | 25.0% | Committed |
| Community Contributions | $7,500 | 10.0% | Development |
| Training & Consulting | $3,750 | 5.0% | Projected |
Foundation Targets
- California Wellness Foundation ($15,000): Health equity and community resilience focus
- Liberty Hill Foundation ($15,000): Social justice and community empowerment
- Neighborhood Funders Group ($15,000): Community organizing and democratic participation
Sustainability Trajectory
- Year 1: 40% self-sufficiency (partnerships + community contributions)
- Year 2: 58% self-sufficiency (cooperative enterprises launch)
- Year 3: 75% self-sufficiency (municipal contracts + cooperatives)
🤝 In-Kind Contributions & Cost-Share
Strong Community Investment
Total In-Kind Value: $30,750
Cost-Share Ratio: 40.9% (exceeding 30% Community Partners requirement)
Total Project Value: $105,750
Community Volunteer Contributions ($13,500)
- Democratic Governance (200 hrs @ $20/hr): $4,000 - Monthly assemblies, consensus building
- Peer Technology Education (100 hrs @ $30/hr): $3,000 - Digital literacy training, platform support
- Community Organizing (150 hrs @ $15/hr): $2,250 - Grassroots outreach, relationship building
- Family Engagement (120 hrs @ $15/hr): $1,800 - PTA development, school coordination
- Youth Leadership (80 hrs @ $15/hr): $1,200 - Technology mentoring, career development
- Senior Integration (100 hrs @ $12.50/hr): $1,250 - Wisdom integration, accessibility design
Academic Partnership Contributions ($10,000)
- USC Faculty Research (100 hrs @ $50/hr): $5,000 - Engineering, policy, communication expertise
- Graduate Student Support (150 hrs @ $20/hr): $3,000 - Community impact assessment, technical development
- University Infrastructure: $1,500 - Meeting spaces, equipment, research facilities
- Academic Publications: $500 - Research presentation, policy development
Community Infrastructure Contributions ($7,250)
- Dr. Batie Mobile STEM Lab: $3,000 - Educational infrastructure, African American leadership
- Neighborhood Council Facilities: $2,000 - Meeting spaces across 99 governance districts
- Technology Equipment Sharing: $1,500 - Drone technology, training materials
- Community Networks: $750 - Outreach, volunteer recruitment, credibility
🤝 Strategic Partnerships
🎓 USC Academic Collaboration
Multi-Departmental Partnership: Engineering, Price School of Public Policy, and Annenberg Communication providing research collaboration, graduate student support, and academic credibility for community organizing and policy advocacy.
- Faculty research time and expertise
- Graduate student internships and research projects
- University facilities and equipment access
- Academic publication and policy development
🏫 Dr. Batie Mobile STEM Lab
54th Street Educational Anchor: African American-owned educational infrastructure providing immediate deployment capacity, community credibility, and cultural competency programming ensuring responsive and effective services.
- Mobile STEM lab operational support
- Educational equipment and curriculum sharing
- African American community leadership
- Cultural competency programming
🌐 CENIC CalREN + AI Research Network
Enhanced Integration: D.O.N.E member institutions connect to Cisco CENIC AIR as researchers, instructors, student users, or participants contributing compute and storage resources, creating a powerful statewide AI and machine learning innovation resource that lowers barriers to entry and enables participation in the National Research Platform.
- AI/ML Innovation Access: Community participation in statewide artificial intelligence research
- Compute Resource Sharing: Neighborhood councils contributing to distributed computing network
- Research Collaboration: Communities as researchers, not just subjects
- National Platform Integration: Local community access to national research infrastructure
- Democratized Innovation: Lowered barriers enabling community technology sovereignty
- Emergency ML Systems: AI-enhanced crisis response and mutual aid coordination
🏛️ Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE)
Municipal Integration: Enhancement rather than replacement of LA's existing democratic infrastructure through 99 Neighborhood Council districts, providing technology sovereignty within formal governmental structure.
- Regional coordinator collaboration
- Neighborhood council technology integration
- Municipal interface development
- Policy advocacy coordination
🏘️ Community Organizations
Grassroots Alliance: Strategic partnerships with established community organizations ensuring cultural competency, anti-displacement focus, and comprehensive social justice approach.
- Mothers of East LA: Latino community engagement and cultural competency
- SAJE: Economic justice and anti-displacement organizing
- LA Community Land Trust: Community ownership models and legal frameworks
- BridgeLA: Digital divide organizing and device distribution
📅 18-Month Implementation Timeline
Q3 2025 (July-September): Foundation Building
- Community organizing and needs assessment across priority regions
- CENIC CalREN partnership activation and connectivity establishment
- Dr. Batie Mobile STEM Lab integration
- Department of Neighborhood Empowerment partnership formalization
Q4 2025 (October-December): Infrastructure Deployment
- LibreRouter/LibreMesh mesh network installation across 5 neighborhood councils
- Odoo 18CE platform customization for NC governance integration
- CHERP Solar installation pilot projects with democratic revenue sharing
- Community advisory board election and governance structure establishment
Q1 2026 (January-March): Educational Ecosystem Launch
- Parent Teacher Association development at 5 pilot schools
- USC academic partnership activation across multiple departments
- Bilingual digital literacy programs with community health worker integration
- Worker cooperative launch with democratic governance and shared ownership
Q2-Q4 2026: Scaling and Sustainability
- Expansion to 15 total neighborhood councils with demonstrated community demand
- Revenue diversification achieving 75% self-sufficiency through cooperative enterprises
- Statewide replication preparation and movement building coordination
- Academic research publication documenting community technology effectiveness
👥 Leadership & Governance
Kenneth M. Wyrick - Project Director
30+ Years Community Technology Leadership
Proven Track Record: R.A.I.N Santa Barbara (1990), NetDay.org, CTCNet.org founding board, ASNTB Time Banking successful Community Partners fiscal sponsorship (2008-2020)
Technical Expertise
- Odoo enterprise software specialist - Version 11CE through current 18CE
- Docker Swarm cluster management - Currently operating at One Wilshire, LA
- LibreRouter and LibreMesh deployment - Community-controlled internet access
- CENIC CalREN membership qualification - Research-grade connectivity
Community Organizing Experience
- 15+ years fiscal sponsorship management - ASNTB Community Partners success
- Democratic governance facilitation - Monthly assemblies with accessibility
- Neighborhood council integration - Boyle Heights NC founding (2002)
- Cooperative movement participation - Democratic business development
Community Advisory Board Structure
7 Members, 2-Year Terms with Recall Procedures
- Geographic Representatives: Regions 5 (West/Coastal), 8 (San Fernando Valley), 9 (Northeast LA), 10 (South LA) ensuring diverse community input across key areas
- Demographic Inclusion: Youth (16-25), Senior (55+), Parent representatives ensuring intergenerational perspectives
- Powers: Budget oversight, program evaluation, strategic planning, conflict resolution
- Accountability: Monthly financial review, quarterly impact assessment with community recall procedures
Democratic Governance Model
Monthly Community Assemblies
- Translation services in Spanish, Korean, Armenian, other community languages
- Childcare provision and family-friendly meeting structure
- Multiple participation methods - In-person, virtual, hybrid options
- Consensus building and collaborative decision-making processes
51% Community Ownership Requirements
- All cooperative enterprises maintain resident decision-making authority
- Technology platforms under democratic community control
- Budget priorities determined by community assemblies
- Personnel decisions with community employment priority
📊 Impact Measurement & Success Metrics
Quantitative Success Indicators
Democratic Participation
- Community assembly attendance: Target 75%+ resident participation in governance
- PTA formation success: 100% of 5 pilot schools maintaining active engagement after 18 months
- Technology adoption: 90%+ of trained community members actively using platforms
- Youth leadership development: 50+ young people in technology and organizing roles
Educational Equity Outcomes
- Parent advocacy effectiveness: Measurable improvements in school responsiveness
- Digital literacy advancement: 80%+ skill improvement in community training
- Bilingual programming: 200+ Latino families engaged in Spanish-language programming
- Academic achievement correlation: Track student outcomes in PTA schools vs. control groups
Economic Justice Impact
- Community wealth retention: $50,000+ annual value kept within community control
- Employment creation: 15+ full-time equivalent jobs across cooperative enterprises
- Energy independence: 25%+ reduction in community energy costs through CHERP Solar
- Revenue diversification: 5+ distinct community-controlled income streams
Community Accountability Systems
Democratic Oversight
- Open books policy - All financial records accessible to community members
- Quarterly evaluation - Community assessment and program modification
- Grievance systems - Multiple reporting channels and transparent resolution
- Community data sovereignty - Resident control over all technology platforms
Continuous Improvement Process
- Cultural responsiveness evaluation - Programming accessibility and competency assessment
- Geographic equity analysis - Ensuring proportional resources across all NCs
- Economic accessibility adjustment - Sliding-scale and mutual aid support
- Technology barrier reduction - Peer education and multiple interface options
🤝 Community Partners Relationship
Proven Partnership History
ASNTB Time Banking Success (2008-2020)
15 years successful project management demonstrating sustained financial accountability, democratic governance, and measurable community impact in economic development and emergency response coordination.
Demonstrated Capacity
- Financial accountability - Clean audits and transparent community reporting
- Democratic governance - Community assemblies and resident oversight
- Community impact - Economic development and emergency response coordination
- Institutional knowledge - Established Community Partners relationship
Service Expectations
Financial Services (Primary Priority)
Monthly financial statements, tax accounting, and unified audit providing transparency and accountability essential for community trust and democratic governance.
Capacity Building (Strategic Priority)
Thought partnership and Meet the Funder sessions connecting with foundation relationships and strategic guidance for sustainable development.
Human Resources Services
Payroll and benefits administration enabling professional employment for community members while maintaining focus on organizing and program delivery.
Community Building (Movement Integration)
Connection with other fiscally sponsored projects for resource sharing and strategic collaboration across digital equity, housing justice, and economic democracy initiatives.
Administrative Framework
- Fee structure acceptance: 9% on private sources, 15% on public sources
- Risk management: Compliance with policies, contract review, lobbying rules
- Regular reporting: Communication on programs, fundraising, board development
- Visible acknowledgment: Community Partners relationship on all materials
📞 Contact Information
Project Leadership
Kenneth M. Wyrick
Project Director, CalTekNet 2025
Community Technology Organizing | 30+ Years Experience
Professional Background
- Community Technology Pioneer: R.A.I.N Santa Barbara (1990), NetDay.org, CTCNet.org founding
- Fiscal Sponsorship Expert: ASNTB Time Banking Community Partners success (2008-2020)
- Technical Infrastructure: Odoo 18CE, Docker Swarm, LibreRouter/LibreMesh deployment
- Democratic Governance: Community assemblies, cooperative development, neighborhood council integration
Current Infrastructure
- Technical Platform: Docker Swarm cluster at One Wilshire, Los Angeles
- Network Access: CENIC CalREN research-grade connectivity qualification
- Community Partnerships: USC, Dr. Batie STEM Lab, Neighborhood Council network
- Experience Base: 15+ years successful Community Partners fiscal sponsorship
Application Status
Ready for Community Partners Submission
Complete proposal narrative, budget worksheet, and supporting documentation prepared for fiscal sponsorship application review process.
Next Steps
- Submit complete application by odd-numbered month deadline
- Prepare for Community Partners board presentation if selected
- Coordinate with foundation funders and community partners
- Launch community organizing and infrastructure development (July 2025 target)
🏛️ Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council: Historical Foundation
BHNC Geographic & Demographic Context
~20,000 Stakeholders | 1:1 Geographic Alignment with LA Planning Department Region
Census Data Integration: DONE-provided demographic analysis with interactive mapping capabilities
Kenneth Wyrick's BHNC Founding Role (2002)
Kenneth co-founded the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council in 2002 with Dr. Randal Pinkett (now BCT Partners CEO and former Apprentice winner), establishing one of LA's first community governance districts using:
- Census Data Analysis: DONE-provided demographic information for boundary determination
- Interactive Mapping: Early GIS implementation for community engagement
- Stakeholder Democracy: Inclusive voting rights for residents, workers, visitors (citizenship-independent)
- Regional Planning Integration: Geographic alignment with LA Planning Department boundaries
BHNC Stakeholder Model
Inclusive Democratic Participation
Independent of US Citizenship: NC stakeholder voting privileges extend to anyone who lives, works, passes through, or has interest in the geographic area. This foundational principle creates truly inclusive community governance.
Community-Proposed Boundaries
Open Formation Process: Any person or group could propose NC formation and boundaries, leading to organic community-defined districts rather than top-down municipal divisions.
BHNC.net Evolution & Digital Democracy
Historical Website Development
- Early 2000s: Basic community information and meeting announcements
- Mid 2000s: Integration with city's NC portal and DONE coordination
- 2010s: Enhanced community engagement and digital participation tools
- Current Status: Platform for democratic governance and community organizing
Regional NC Service Voting Initiative
Mass Movement Potential: CalTekNet builds on BHNC's proven stakeholder model to create regional federation of neighborhood councils with shared technology infrastructure and coordinated democratic governance.
Movement Building Strategy
- 99 Neighborhood Councils: Existing democratic infrastructure for regional coordination
- Stakeholder Inclusion: Citizenship-independent voting creating broader community engagement
- Technology Integration: Community-controlled platforms enabling cross-NC collaboration
- Data Sovereignty: Local control over community information and democratic processes
From Local to Regional: BHNC Model Expansion
Proven Democratic Governance
BHNC's 20+ year success demonstrates that community-controlled governance can operate effectively within municipal structures while maintaining grassroots autonomy. CalTekNet scales this model across LA's regional structure.
Geographic Data Integration
Census + DONE Data: Combining federal demographic data with municipal neighborhood empowerment information creates comprehensive community profiles enabling:
- Targeted technology deployment based on community needs
- Resource allocation ensuring geographic equity
- Democratic participation tracking and improvement
- Anti-displacement monitoring and community protection
Technology Sovereignty Foundation
From BHNC to CalTekNet
Kenneth's BHNC founding experience provides the democratic governance foundation for CalTekNet's technology sovereignty approach - proving that communities can control their own infrastructure and decision-making processes within formal municipal systems.
🎯 Social Issues & Community Solutions
Community-Identified Problems
Educational Inequity Crisis
Corporate Technology Extraction
Democratic Solutions Framework
Community Assembly Decision-Making
Monthly community assemblies with translation, childcare, and multiple participation methods ensuring all residents engage in budget and program decisions. 51% community ownership requirement ensures technology serves community priorities.
Community Advisory Structure
Accountability Mechanisms