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

Thank you for supporting Cabrillo’s mission

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CEO Message from Margarita H. de Escontrias: As Thanksgiving approaches, I would like to express my gratitude for the generosity of our donors and community and business partners throughout the year. We can accomplish great things with your help.

Your gifts bring new opportunities to move forward with more affordable housing projects and provide necessary educational, health and support services to low-income families, farmworkers, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities in our community.

I am truly grateful to you for continuing to keep Cabrillo and our mission on your minds during the holiday season with your Amazon Smile purchases, and Giving Tuesday and year-end donations.

I am excited about the difference we can make together with the support of our community and dedicated staff with Phase II of Snapdragon Place under construction and our new development on Etting Road in predevelopment. These two projects alone will provide 64 units of much-needed housing for veterans, low-income families and farmworkers.

On behalf of Cabrillo, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year.

Cabrillo to host Immigration Rights Workshops

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In cooperation with El Concilio Family Services, Cabrillo will be hosting two November workshops on immigration rights. Workshops will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Valle Naranjal Apartments, 4268 Center Street, Piru, and on Nov. 29 at Rodney Fernandez Gardens, 212 West Santa Barbara Street, Santa Paula.

Participants will learn about citizenship, immigration rights, legal residency and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The events are free and open to the public. There will be activities for children, and refreshments will be provided. To RSVP for the Nov. 15 workshop, call 805-521-1009. To RSVP for Nov. 29, call 805-672-2588.

Properties to participate in Toys 4 Tots campaign

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Cabrillo will be participating in the annual Toys 4 Tots campaign. “Property managers will apply directly to the organization and arrange distribution at each property,” said Resident Services Coordinator Diana Ortega.

Those who wish to donate can contact the property managers or drop new, unwrapped gifts off at the corporate office in Ventura for Resident and Community Services staff to deliver to the properties. For more information, contact RCS staff at 805-659-3195.

Snapdragon Phase II construction moves forward

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Construction of the Snapdragon Place Apartments, Phase II is moving along as expected. The project currently is in the framing stage, said Cabrillo Project Management Assistant Jacqueline Pollino.

The development is expected to be completed in June 2019 and consists of 22 affordable homes, 11 of which are for special needs, with four one-bedroom units designated for homeless veterans.

Pumpkins, pizza and potlucks, oh my…

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With a generous donation from McGrath Bros. Great Pacific Pumpkins, Resident and Community Services staff provided pumpkin give-aways and community events at Azahar Place apartments on Oct. 25 and Valle Naranjal Apartments on Oct. 26.

Community Services Coordinator Gloria Solorzano said residents at both properties received a numbered ticket, and then searched in their respective Pumpkin Patches for their corresponding pumpkins.

This was the third annual Fall Festivities and Pumpkin Patch in the community garden at Azahar Place Apartments, where residents enjoyed a pizza dinner in the community room and received treat bags made by resident volunteers.

At Valle Naranjal, residents feasted on a potluck dinner in the community room, after which they were treated to a haunted house created by youth volunteers at the apartments. Residents also participated in a creative costume contest.

Day of Caring 2018 brings beauty to Santa Paulan

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On Sept. 29 Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with United Way,  renovated the grounds at the Santa Paulan Apartments. Almost 35 volunteers from United Way, Cabrillo and the Santa Paula community took part in this event.

Overall, volunteers were able to clean up around the outside of the Santa Paulan and improve the landscape by spreading mulch and planting new flowers and shrubs.

“it was nice to play in the dirt and feel like a kid again, I feel younger than I really am,” said Santa Paulan resident Maria Rodriguez.

Resident & Community Services staff, including Beth Parker, Gloria Solorzano, Diana Ortega, and Jessica Rios organized the event.

“The event was a positive experience in community engagement and community building with volunteers, staff and community members. Many said they found it rewarding,” Rios said.

Cabrillo 2017 Annual Report available online

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The 2017 Cabrillo Annual report is available online, featuring our financial summary, accomplishments and strategic priorities.

We are pleased to acknowledge our generous sponsors, partners, and donors who continue to help us fulfill our important mission to provide quality affordable housing and community building and educational services that provide a ladder of opportunity for low-income families, veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Cabrillo hires Soto as Director of Property Management & Resident Services

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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

Cabrillo announces Rodney Fernandez Leadership Scholarship recipients

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Rodney Fernandez Leadership Scholarship.

This year, 21 applications were received and $12,500 is being awarded to 13 recipients. Edison International provided a with $10,000 grant to be divided among STEM recipients, and another $2,500 was raised to be distributed among recipients of all majors.

Members of the scholarship review panel include Denise Bickerstaff, Cabrillo’s Director of Business Development and Administration; Gloria Solorzano, Cabrillo Resident Services Coordinator; Jessica Rios, AmeriCorps VIP volunteer at Cabrillo; Veronica Montoya and Adriana Fernandez, California State University, Channel Islands; Gordon Morrell, Yardi Systems Executive Vice President; and Alondra Serna, House Farm Workers Program Director.

“Thank you to each applicant who took the time to share their story. I was deeply moved and touched by each application and appreciated their willingness to open up and share their experiences,” said Montoya. “I was reminded why these scholarships are so crucial and hope that they will help each recipient move forward in their educational careers and aspirations. Thank you to Cabrillo for making such an important investment in the future of our community.”

Recipients will receive their awards during the CEDC Scholarship Awards Banquet from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., July 12, at Azahar Place Apartments, 11370 Mimosa St., Ventura.

The recipients are:

• Yuri Cruz, a Pacifica High School graduate, who will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, and major in mathematics
• Emily Phelps, an El Camino High School graduate, who will attend California Polytechnic State University in San Louis Obispo and major in animal science
• Palomera Lorenzo, a Fillmore High School graduate who will attend UCSB and major in computer economics
• Karina Ibarra Gonzalez, a Thousand Oaks High School graduate who will attend California State University, Channel Islands, and major in biology
• Naomi Summers, an Oxnard High School graduate who will attend UCSB and major in economics
• Juan Hernandez, a Santa Paula High School graduate who is attending California State University, Northridge, and work toward his master’s degree in mathematics
• Anarely Santana, a Newbury Park High School graduate, who will attend California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and major in civil engineering
• Magdiel Zuniga, who is attending Cal Poly Pomona and majoring in mechanical engineering
• Alondra Quintal, an Oxnard High School graduate who will attend the University of California, Irvine, and major in biology
• Julie Revelez, a Buena High School graduate who will attend the University of California, San Francisco, and major in social work
• Ronaldo Cacerez, a Pacifica High School graduate, who will attend Humboldt State University and major in environmental science
• Esther Choe, a Buena High School graduate, who will attend CSU, Channel Islands, and major in political science
• Shadi Bateni, a Westlake High School graduate, who will attend Oxnard College and major in addictive disorder studies

The Rodney Fernandez Leadership Scholarship Program, created in 2011, honors the legacy of Rodney Fernandez, Cabrillo’s founder and Executive Director for 30 years (1981–2011). The Scholarship continues Fernandez’s legacy of community building by cultivating the leadership of residents to attain their goals and empower themselves to take action to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Cabrillo receives $330,000 Affordable Housing Program grant

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has received a $330,000 Affordable Housing Program grant for its Snapdragon Place Apartments Phase II project, which broke ground in March.

“The award will allow CEDC to build 22 units of much needed affordable housing, and to provide essential services for the residents. The project is currently under construction so the award will help with the construction costs of the development,” said Eduardo Espinosa, Cabrillo’s Director of Real Estate Development.

Affordable Housing Program grants are awarded through a competitive application process to Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco members working with housing developers or community organizations to create rental or homeownership opportunities for lower-income households. Cabrillo collaborated with FHLBSF Bank member City National Bank on the grant application.

Snapdragon Place Apartments Phase II is one of 70 projects to receive a total of $65.9 million in AHP grants through 23 member banks. Combined, the projects will create more than 6,000 units of affordable housing in seven states.

“We are pleased that AHP funding can support Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s efforts to create more affordable housing in Ventura,” said Marietta Núñez, Vice President and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank San Francisco. “This development will make a difference in the lives of low-income families and individuals who will reside there, especially the formerly homeless veteran households that will receive valuable services, as well as a home at Snapdragon Place Apartments.”

Cabrillo is developing Snapdragon Place Apartments Phase II 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 on Snapdragon Street and Los Angeles Avenue in East Ventura. Cabrillo completed Phase I of the project, which included 28 units for farmworkers, 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 development will include 11 special needs units, with four one-bedroom units reserved 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.

“Cabrillo has been integrally involved in project planning and design, project development, property management, and project financing for this development,” said Espinosa. “With over 30 years of experience as an affordable housing developer, Cabrillo is excited to receive the AHP funding award for its latest affordable housing development. The funds will help Cabrillo continue its mission of providing affordable housing for the residents of Ventura County.”

About the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation:
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to provide comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities through a community-building approach that facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and adjacent areas of Los Angeles County. Incorporated in 1981, Cabrillo’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Although this continues to be important, today there is a more widespread need for affordable housing in this region. As such, Cabrillo now provides housing for low- to moderate-income residents and families, including farmworkers, seniors, veterans and individuals with special needs.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco:
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco delivers low-cost funding and other services that help member financial institutions make home mortgages to people of all income levels and provide credit that supports neighborhoods and communities. The Bank also funds community programs that help members create affordable housing and promote community economic development. The bank’s members are headquartered in Arizona, California, and Nevada and include commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions.

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