805-659-3791 [email protected] 702 County Square Drive,
Ste 200 Ventura, CA 93003

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation

Comprehensive Housing Services and Community Economic Development

Cabrillo now accepting board member applications

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The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation is accepting applications for its Board of Directors.

Cabrillo is seeking candidates who believe in and will actively support the core values, vision and mission of Cabrillo to provide comprehensive housing services that facilitate self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

“In 2017, Cabrillo completed its Strategic Plan and identified its key priorities for 2017-2019. One of the five priorities is to build strong, engaged board leadership,” said Cabrillo Board President, Dave Sabedra. “This will include the board expanding its membership to 13 and recruiting members with different backgrounds and specific skill sets that will complement those of the existing board members.”

Cabrillo is seeking to ensure the board is diverse and representative of the communities it serves and that candidates have a wide range of experience and knowledge.
The Board will review applications on a rolling basis. Self-nominations and third-party nominations will be accepted for both officers and board members, including low-income representatives. Cabrillo requests a three-year commitment of service from successful board candidates.

Applications are available online at cabrilloedc.org/board-directors/. For additional information or to submit an application, call Cabrillo at 805-659-3791 or email [email protected].

Affordable housing matters

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Margarita H. de Escontrias, CEO: As I reflect on this message, the future of our Etting Road Project is fresh on my mind. After two recent public hearings, I want to express my gratitude to those involved for working together to advance our project that will provide 42 critically needed homes for farmworkers and their families.

We appreciate the role of the City of Oxnard’s Development Services staff; our architects, Lauterbach & Associates; Reiter Affiliated Companies; and Cabrillo’s Real Estate & Development staff. I am especially moved by our community’s support, as so many took their personal time to attend these hearings and speak about the value of this project. Most meaningful were the

Why do affordable homes matter? Investments in affordable housing have widespread and significant benefits to our local communities. From employment to health and education, all areas of life improve when individuals and families have access to a decent and stable home. As a result, there is reduced homelessness for people with low incomes, and families have more money for necessities like medicine and food. Research indicates that a child’s neighborhood and home life have significant Influence on their performance in school. For every additional year a child spends in a better neighborhood environment, their economic outcome as an adult improves as measured by income and the likelihood of college attendance. Ultimately, affordable housing is one of the most effective ways to help low-income families escape poverty and ensure children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Photo Caption: Cabrillo employees, board members, and friends volunteered May 5 at the historic Japanese cemetery in Oxnard cleaning up the site, which is adjacent to Cabrillo’s Etting Road property, which is in the pre-development stage for a 42-unit affordable housing complex.

Unity is Community fundraiser supports mural installation

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Camino Gonzalez and Paseo de Luz Apartment residents gathered Friday, June 8, in Oxnard for a community event to raise funds to create a community mural for the properties to share. Artist Gabriel Cardenas will design and lead the installation of the mural at the adjacent properties.

The event featured an art exhibit by Photographer Antonio Juarez and Cardenas the artists donated works for an auction along with Martin Alberto Gonzalez, author of “21 Miles of Scenic Beauty … and then Oxnard: Counterstories and Testimonies,” who read excerpts to the crowd and donated a book for the auction.

“It was great to see the facial expressions of the excited youths who met Martin Alberto Gonzalez,” said Jessica Rios, Resident Services Coordinator and AmeriCorps VIP Volunteer, explaining many previously had read his book in school. “Overall, we had a great turnout from residents who enjoyed a nice Friday evening with each other. It was great to see both communities come together and work toward a common goal,” she said.

There were tacos for sale, drawings for baskets created by property manager Dolores Rodiles and items donated by local businesses. Documentarian Julio Alcala presented his fieldworker documentary, “The Fieldworkers Journal,” and United Farm Workers provided information on free citizenship sessions during the event.

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Cabrillo receives $10,000 Wells Fargo Housing Foundation grant

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has received a $10,000 Grant from the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation to fund its homebuyer and financial services.

Cabrillo’s Homebuyer & Financial Services provide one-on-one counseling for prospective homebuyers, those facing foreclosure, and those considering a reverse mortgage.

“The counseling covers various topics related to the client’s specific financial situation and goal(s), which includes educating the client and answering all doubts they may have,” said Homebuyer and Financial Services Housing Counselor Heidi Reyes.

“This grant will continue to allow us to build opportunities through education, whether it is purchasing a new home or saving a home, by reaching an affordable payment and learning how to gain financial control of a situation,” she said.

In the last two years, Cabrillo has assisted 108 families with homeownership, and more than 880 families with financial counseling or financial literacy programs.
Reyes said Homeownership gives a client the opportunity for upward mobility from one social economic class to the next, and counseling and financial education can bring confidence to the decision-making process for Ventura County families.

“Having these services available to the community is very important, as we are the first stop to families. Whether they are in need of guidance during the purchase of their first home or during a financial crisis where they are trying to save their home,” she said.

Cabrillo offers counseling in the following categories:

Credit and Debt Counseling

Individual credit counseling sessions assist people in managing or rebuilding their credit in preparation for homeownership. For those who have not established credit, counseling can explain the importance of establishing a positive credit record. Cabrillo Homebuyer & Financial Services counselors work with clients to develop a spending and savings plan, as well as provide the financial tools to maintain good credit.

Financial Education Workshops

The purpose of this eight-hour course is to prepare participants for the home-buying process by providing an overview of the mortgage process, a basic understanding of mortgage financial terms and conditions, choosing a real estate agent and lender, and preventing foreclosure. In addition, the workshop covers:

• Budgeting
• Renting vs. owning
• Knowing your credit score and history
• Understanding title and insurance
• Procedures for appraisal and home inspection
• Getting ready for homeownership
• Family money matters
• Shopping for a home
• Selecting a realtor
• Avoiding problems with mortgage payments

Pre-Purchase Counseling

This is Cabrillo’s one-stop source for information on homeownership. Cabrillo is dedicated to increasing opportunities for first-time homebuyers through its free counseling sessions and educational programs. By spending about an hour with a Homebuyer & Financial Services counselor, clients will receive answers to the following questions:

• Is this the right time for me to buy a home?
• How much home can I really afford?
• Do I qualify for any special loans or down-payment assistance programs?
• What are the next steps to prepare for home purchase?

In addition to one-on-one counseling, pre-purchase homebuyer workshops enable clients to become more aware of the various components of homeownership. Classes are taught in English and Spanish at a variety of locations.

Post-Purchase Workshops

Studies prove post-purchase education is essential, especially for those who are purchasing for the first time. Cabrillo’s post-purchase workshops provide general information about the responsibilities of homeownership so participants will have the knowledge to maintain their homes and finances. Post-purchase workshops are 1.5 hours long and feature a topic overview followed by a presentation from an expert in a related field. Topics include:

• Property and supplemental taxes
• Avoiding predatory lending scams
• Maintaining and repairing a home
• Improving budgeting skills, and maintaining a good credit file
• Life and disability insurance basics
• Working with your mortgage lender
• Being a good neighbor and an asset to the community

Foreclosure Prevention

Unexpected emergencies such as temporary job loss, illness, or a death in the family can lead to a loss of income. This can result in the inability to make the mortgage payment, causing a possible foreclosure. To preserve families in the community and stabilize neighborhoods, Cabrillo established a Foreclosure Prevention Program to help families get through a difficult transition period. Cabrillo’s Homebuyer & Financial Services office offers free services to assist homeowners in preserving homeownership and preventing foreclosure.

Reverse Mortgage Counseling

Through Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) counseling or reverse mortgage, Cabrillo’s Homebuyer and Financial Services staff assists seniors who are interested in using the equity in their home to meet the high cost of living in Ventura County. The counselor conducts a one-on-one session with individuals to ensure they understand the financial implications of entering into a HECM. Counselors will explain how reverse mortgages work, the financial and tax implications, and costs associated with a reverse mortgage. Although counselors are not lenders or financial advisors, they will highlight available resources useful in meeting financial needs. The goal is to help clients understand their options so they can make informed decisions regarding their homes.

To be considered for a reverse mortgage, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration requires clients to participate in a counseling session with an approved nonprofit housing counseling agency. At completion of the session, the counselor will issue a certificate that must be provided to the reverse mortgage lender. Cabrillo counselors are certified by HUD and specialize in helping consumers 62 years of age and older explore this financial tool.

For more information on Cabrillo’s Homebuyer and Financial Services office, visit Cabrilloedc.org, or contact Heidi Reyes at 805-659-6869 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

Cabrillo welcomes Ontiveros, Rodriguez to Board of Directors

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The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is pleased to welcome the addition of Naomi Ontiveros and Victor Rodriguez to its Board of Directors.

Ontiveros

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are delighted to have new board members with professional and life experiences like Naomi and Victor. They bring both passion and compassion for our mission,” said Cabrillo CEO Margarita H. de Escontrias. “They both will be great assets to the board.”

Ontiveros, an Oxnard resident, is a consultant for the Department of Rehabilitation. She previously served on the Cabrillo board for five years, ending in 2006. She also served as the President of the Board for the El Paseo Homeowners Association, where she currently owns a home after being homeless.

“Returning to Cabrillo as a board member is an honor, volunteering my time and expertise to an organization that cares for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, farmworkers and low-income families in need of safe and affordable housing. I have a passion and drive to make a difference in people’s lives since I personally know what it is like to be homeless and living in a shelter with five children and one being a newborn,” Ontiveros said.

“Organizations like Cabrillo made it possible to become first-time homebuyers. My Family has lived a better lifestyle, and one of my daughters had the opportunity to go to UC Berkeley because of having the resources instead of paying high rent,” she said. “I instilled in my children that if you want your goals in life to become a reality, you have to work at it, care for others, and provide leadership and direction to make it happen. Cabrillo has these qualities.”

Rodriguez

Rodriguez has been a human resources professional for nearly 20 years. He is currently the Director of Human Resources at 4over LLC in Glendale. His professional background includes similar positions at Reiter Affiliated Companies, Monsanto Company (Seminis), and Your People Professionals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne. Rodriguez lives in Camarillo with his wife and two children.

Rodriguez grew up in Cabrillo Village farmworker community from which CEDC originated. He said growing up in Cabrillo Village had a positive impact on his life, creating opportunities for his family they otherwise would not have had.

“Having a nice home that was affordable and safe provided more than just shelter for our family. It allowed my parents to focus on other opportunities for our family than just making ends meet. One of those opportunities was the ability for my brothers and me to participate in little league baseball and AYSO. As kids, most of our friends also participated in sports, and it became the norm for us each year because we were able to afford the fees, uniforms, and equipment.”

“Our similar backgrounds and economic status also created strong friendships, and we didn’t have to worry about judgment from each other. I think this also contributed to our humility, appreciation and a sense of pride for the hard work our parents experienced in the surrounding fields,” he said.

“My personal experience with affordable housing and the impact it had on my family now makes me a strong advocate for affordable housing,” Rodriguez said. “Seeing low-income families struggling in this housing market also motivates me to create as many opportunities as possible for those families.”

Rodriguez also has served as a previous board member for Habitat for Humanity and the Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County.

“Cabrillo has a wonderful mission and a great brand. I am hoping my personal experience with affordable housing, my previous board experience with organizations in Ventura County, and my professional background leading Human Resources teams will help Cabrillo accomplish their goals and continue to create housing opportunities for low-income families,” he said.

Cabrillo offers free financial counseling services

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s Homebuyer and Financial Services offers FREE counseling and education services to Ventura County residents.

“Clients benefit by receiving free guidance on financial and housing goals and end up with better control of spending and savings. They will receive a personalized action plan so that they may achieve their goals quicker. They also receive additional resources suitable to their situation,” said Homebuyer and Financial Services Housing Counselor Heidi Reyes.

Counseling sessions are private, one-on-one sessions with a housing counselor and include a free credit report.

Cabrillo counselors will work with clients to help them understand the importance of a positive credit report and to develop a spending and savings plan to provide the financial tools to establish, repair or maintain good credit to meet their personal goals.

“Financial counseling results in confidence in decision making for Ventura County families,” Reyes said.

Topics covered include:
• Budget and Credit Counseling
• Help with purchasing a Home
• Budget review and goal setting

To schedule an appointment today, call 805-659-3791 or email [email protected].

Cabrillo seeks Housing Heroes Awards nominations

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Cabrillo is seeking nominations for the inaugural Housing Heroes Awards.

“This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations in Ventura County who have made exceptional contributions as an affordable housing advocate, leader, and partner,” said Margarita H. de Escontrias, Cabrillo’s CEO. “With the high cost of housing and the shortage of affordable housing in our region, this support is critical to provide safe and secure shelter and resources for those who need it.”

Cabrillo is accepting nominations for the following awards:
• The Rodney Fernandez Advocate Award – Individual supporting affordable housing
• The Jaime Bordenave Professional Award – Professional in affordable housing
• The Cabrillo Business Partner Award – Business supporting affordable housing

To submit a nomination, please send a brief explanation of what makes the nominee is deserving of this recognition. Please include your name and address and, if possible, the names and addresses of persons who can provide further information on the nominee. A single nomination will place the individual or company in consideration for the respective award. Award nominations will be accepted through April 30, 2018.

Submit nominations via email to [email protected], or by mail to:
The Housing Heroes Awards
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation
702 County Square Drive, Ste 200
Ventura, CA 93003

Cabrillo children experiment with Mad Science

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Mad Science is sweeping through Cabrillo properties as CSU Channel Islands, graduate Christopher Botch contributes his expertise by hosting Mad Science events.

The first event took place on Feb. 8 at Valle Naranjal Apartments in Piru. About 15 resident children were able to enjoy learning about rockets and density with experiments on dry ice comets and levitating bubbles. Additional events are planned at Valle Naranjal and Meta Street apartments.

For more science fun, look for our six-week Summer Mad Science Camp, which will be coming soon to nine Cabrillo properties.

The program is open to all K-12 students. Register before April 18. You must answer the enrollment referral questions with “A Tree of Knowledge,” and you will need to provide proof of age and residency to be enrolled.

Students cannot be enrolled in summer school during this program. For more information, contact Cabrillo Resident & Community Services at 805-672-2588.

Community Room named after Maria Hernandez

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On Feb. 10, Cabrillo honored the hard work and compassion of Community Building Manager Maria B. Hernandez during the Dia De Amor Y Amistad event to dedicate the Community Room at the Paseo Santa Clara/Pase del Rio apartments in her name.

According to one resident, Hernandez “made everyone feel truly heard. She heard you, she saw you, she felt the essence of who you were. She was truly there. She gave me peace when I was struggling. ”

CEO Margarita H. de Escontrias kicked off the ceremony by honoring Maria’s family. Maintenance supervisor Victor Alcantar and Maintenance Technicians Jesus Guzman and Fidencio Aguilar planted a tree in Hernandez’s honor, and teen residents Amanda Cervantes, Daphne DeLaTorre, Briana Rodriguez, and Sophia Godina helped renovate the community room.

“Thanks to everyone who came out that day to celebrate and honor Maria’s legacy with Maria’s family, said de Escontrias. “It was a perfect opportunity for us to live our values and celebrate together.

“İQue Viva Maria, y Que Viva Cabrillo!”

Cabrillo plans groundbreaking for Ventura development

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest affordable housing development, Phase II of Snapdragon Place Apartments, at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 5, at Snapdragon Place Apartments, 11094 Snapdragon Street, Ventura.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a reception in the Community Room at Snapdragon Place Apartments. The program will include a welcome address from Cabrillo and its project partners. Following the program, attendees will walk to the building site for the groundbreaking ceremony and photos.

Cabrillo is developing the project in partnership with the Housing Authority of San Buenaventura, which will serve as the property management company.

Snapdragon Place Apartments is a new construction development located at Snapdragon Street and Los Angeles Avenue in East Ventura. Cabrillo completed Phase I of the project, which included 28 units, in 2015. Phase II will provide another 22 homes.

Phase II will consist of five two-story buildings enclosing a landscaped interior courtyard. The unit mix includes four one-bedroom homes (640 square feet), 10 two-bedroom homes (958 square feet), and eight three-bedroom homes (1,177 square feet).

The project will include 11 special needs units, of which, four one-bedroom units are designated for homeless veterans through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program and seven non-VASH units. All units, except for the manager’s unit will have Section 8 vouchers for families and individuals with incomes between 30 to 60 percent of the area median income.

805-659-3791
[email protected]
702 County Square Drive, Ste 200
 Ventura, CA 93003
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