Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation announces the addition of Luz Soto as its Director of Property Management and Resident Services. Soto returns to Cabrillo, where she previously served as Director of Property and Asset Management from 2005 to 2013.

Soto oversees Cabrillo’s residential portfolio, which includes 26 affordable communities that serve nearly 1,200 low-income families.

“With more than 20 years of property management experience, Luz’ strong leadership skills ensure the successful operations and management of Cabrillo’s rental portfolio,” said Cabrillo Chief Executive Officer, Margarita H. de Escontrias.

Overall, Soto is responsible for the oversight of property budgets; the timely turnover of vacancies and delinquencies; and all legal matters related to tenant-landlord laws and fair housing issues. She will also manage Cabrillo’s Resident Services program, which provides ongoing resources as well as social and educational programs to provide a ladder of opportunity for residents.

“Luz possesses not only the technical skills to succeed but also the personal attributes to help make our families successful. She understands our mission, purpose, and vision and has an appreciation for our residents. I believe returning to Cabrillo is an affirmation of commitment to the residents we serve and a coming home for her,” de Escontrias said.

Most recently, Soto served as Senior Vice President of Property Management and Resident Services with Abode Communities, where she managed 35 affordable housing developments with 2,319 homes that served 6,300 low-income people.

Prior to 2005, Soto worked as the District Property Manager for the Brackenhoff Management Group, where she managed a 1,300-unit tax-credit portfolio throughout California. She also worked with Goldrich & Kest Management, Inc., where she oversaw a residential portfolio consisting of 8,000 units, including HUD Project-Based Section 8, Tenant-Based Section 8, and Sections 202, 811, and 236.

Soto holds the following certifications:
• Certified Housing Asset Manager from Consortium for Housing and Asset Management
• Non-Profit Affordable Housing Specialist from the NeighborWorks America Training Institute
• Certified Professional of Occupancy from the National Affordable Housing Management Association
• National Assisted Housing Professional from the National Affordable Housing Management Association
• Various Low Income Housing Tax Credit, Fair Housing, and 504 certifications

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].

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.