News - The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation

Weingart Foundation awards Cabrillo $150,000 grant

October 31, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has received a $150,000 unrestricted operating support grant over two years to be used for overall operational expenses.

The funds will assist Cabrillo with evaluation and activity tracking methods to enable CEDC to further develop and improve its services for residents, Cabrillo Director of Business Development and Administration Denise Bickerstaff said.

Currently, Cabrillo provides ESL classes, Homework Clubs, food pantries, community gardens, summer programs for kids, scholarships, and health and nutritional services to its residents.

The funding also will give Cabrillo an opportunity to increase staffing in the Real Estate Development Department and retain real estate expertise to enlarge Cabrillo’s development pipeline and manage more projects in varying stages of development, Bickerstaff said.

At this time Cabrillo is in predevelopment on two projects, a 42-unity farmworker development on Etting Road in Oxnard and a 50-unit development for seniors in Buellton. Snapdragon Place Apartments, Phase II will have its grand opening celebration on Nov. 15 as that property in collaboration with the Housing Authority of San Buenaventura finishes leasing.

“We are excited to be looking to the future with a focus on developing much-needed affordable housing in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and chipping away at the immense need for affordable housing here,” Cabrillo CEO Margarita H. de Escontrias said.

De Escontrias said, funds also will be used for board development training on best practices pertaining to board effectiveness and in the recruitment of board members with specific skills and expertise.

CEO Message, Margarita H. de Escontrias: Time to give thanks!

October 31, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

Fall is officially here. With the changing of the colors and the crisp cool air, we are reminded of the comfort and warmth we have in our hearth and home. We are thankful to have an abode to call our own and pray for the disaster recovery of many households throughout our state.

For the third year in a row, California has experienced deadly fires fueled by drought, dry vegetation and extreme winds. Thousands of homes have been lost and hundreds of lives were taken, exposing millions of us to unhealthy air.

Due to these pre-existing conditions, we must study and explore “climate resilience” in the provision of affordable housing. What does this all mean?

There was a great article in the New York Times recently that confirms renters of low-income housing face much greater challenges than other higher-income renters in response to weather-related events.

What does climate resilience mean for affordable housing? Simply put, it means that the housing sector must be poised to remain functional during times of disaster and recover quickly after a wildfire, hurricane, flood or other climate-related disasters.

Cabrillo currently is developing strategies for bolstering climate resilience in the housing sector, including developing and training staff on emergency preparedness planning from a regional level down to our residential property level. We will be exploring new design and building standards for our properties to adjust to our new normal. And lastly, we will work with affordable housing lenders and insurance industry to manage climate risks while still achieving the high-quality standards for which Cabrillo is known.

As we launch into the New Year, we also will be engaged in writing our next Strategic Plan and will be hosting community meetings to solicit YOUR input. There is more to come on that effort, so please stay tuned. Our Board of Directors will make the announcements for the community visioning sessions in your area.

May we depend on you to contribute to this visioning effort?

We thank all of our investors, funders, donors and benefactors for your continued support and commitment to our Mission. Without your donation, we could not accomplish what we continue to do every day. Thank you is not enough to express our appreciation. Together we have accomplished almost 40 years of BUILDING COMMUNITY!

İSi Se Puede!

Farmworker Resource Fair offers services, information

October 28, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

Cabrillo was one of more than 40 agencies participating in the 13th Farmworker Resource Fair on Thursday, Oct. 27, in Oxnard. The Farmworker Resource Program funded by the County of Ventura organized the event. About 300 people attended.

“These types of events support our tenants and community by making them aware of all the types of resources available,” Cabrillo Resident and Community Services Coordinator, Ana Morones said.

Cabrillo provided information about our farmworker designated affordable housing options and resident and community services, including food pantries, Homework Clubs, financial education, and ESL classes.

Azahar Place Apartments enjoys 4th annual Pumpkin Patch

October 23, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

With a generous donation from McGrath Bros. Great Pacific Pumpkins and Home Depot, the resident committee at Cabrillo’s Azahar Place Apartments in Ventura organized their annual Pumpkin Patch event, Oct. 18.

“It’s an annual tradition to have a pumpkin patch in our community garden to ensure our residents are able to experience the fun of attending a pumpkin patch and not have to worry about the cost,” Resident Manager Gabby Vignone, said.

Vignone said the resident event committee organized the Pumpkin Patch with candy donations from the Fudacion de Ing. Rogelio Jaime Coria. Residents provided cupcakes, chips, juice and snacks for those attending and Vignone ordered pizza, too.

“Resident Veronica Garcia organized and donated goods for a toy and craft raffle for the kids, too,” Vignone said. “Azahar is so thankful to its Event Committee that always ensures everyone has a good, fun time and our Garden Committee for providing a fun space and assisting other residents in finding the perfect pumpkin to take home.”

Memebers of the Event Committee are Garcia, Leti Chavez, Nancy Zendejas, Zeniada Negrete, Maria Soto, Edith Rodriguez and Chelita Sanchez. Members of the Garden Committee are Mamerto Orozco, Don Sergio Sanchez and Eleodoro Mendez.

Azahar Place is one of 23 affordable housing properties owned and managed by Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation.

Click here for event photos.

Candidate forum set for Wedensday, Oct. 23

October 21, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

The 2020 elections for Ventura County Board of Supervisors District 1, 3, and 5, and the State Assembly and Senate are right around the corner. The Latino Issues Forum is proud to again sponsor a public town hall of the candidates for these elected offices and the Latino community. As the Latino population in Ventura County continues to grow, currently 43% compared to 45% White, many of the problems that have plagued this community for decades continue to this day.

In planning for this town hall meeting, we have discussed the unprecedented media attention the Latino community has received since 2016, and the fact that an area that was once a Republican stronghold, now has only Democrats representing Ventura County in the state legislature and US Congress.

Our children continue to attend under-performing public schools and face growing concerns in attending community college caused by AB705. Many Latinos face a lack of access to quality health care including behavioral health and cultural and linguistic competent services. Despite claims of a great national and state economy, California continues to rank No. 1 in poverty in the nation and has an estimated 16.9% in Ventura County in 2017. Homelessness plagues the many who are without shelter, employment and vital services that also present very serious challenges to local businesses in the downtown area. Fiscal deficits continue to challenge the stability of the county and the city of Oxnard. The agricultural industry pays some of the highest wages in the state, but farmworkers must also deal with high pesticide use, rents skyrocketing 41.2% over the past four years, which severely limits housing options for many. Economic growth is stagnant with no concrete plan in sight. As we move to a society that focuses on “millennials” we continue to turn the page on the contributions of our elderly, the challenges they and persons with physical and mental disabilities confront.

Latinos must provide the answers to these problems and it will begin and end with the level of participation we exert at the ballot box. We must engage in the democratic process we are privileged to be a part of this state and nation. WE MUST EDUCATE OURSELVES, HOLD ACCOUNTABLE ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND VOTE! This candidate town hall meeting needs your attendance and participation! Food will be provided.

Sponsors:

Lulac
Mixteco.org
CAUSE
Santa Paula Latino Town Hall
Clinicas del Camino Real
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation
CAUSE Action Fund
Liuna Laborers’ Local 585

Cabrillo joins CSUCI for career and internship fair

October 11, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

On Oct. 10, Resident and Community Services Coordinator, Ana Morones, and Director of Human Resources, Nidia Rodriguez, participated in the CSUCI Career and Internship Fair on the university campus.

Ana and Nidia were there to raise awareness about the organization and the volunteer and career opportunities at Cabrillo.

Cabrillo frequently collaborates with the university to raise awareness of jobs available and to recruit volunteers to assist with the Homework Clubs and other activities offered at our properties. Students volunteer as activity coordinators and tutors for the kids attending Cabrillo Homework Clubs and summer programs.

Caption: Human Resources Director, Nidia Rodriguez, left, and Resident and Community Services Coordinator Ana Morones hang out with CSUCI mascot, Ekho

Day of Caring event focuses on senior residents

September 30, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

On Sept. 28, Cabrillo employees, residents and the United Way of Ventura County collaborated on a project at Cabrillo’s Camino Esperanza Apartments in Simi Valley for the 30th Annual Day of Caring.

“Volunteers built a community garden for the residents to enjoy and maintain together,” said Cabrillo Resident and Community Services Coordinator, Anhely (Nelly) Camacho.

“We want to liven up the property and bring in something that will keep the residents occupied and excited about the finished product,” Camacho said.

Anthem Blue Cross and Green Thumb Nursery provided soil and plants for the event. Cabrillo staff members provided monetary donations, plants and soil for the project. Camino Esperanza serves seniors age 62 and older.

Christy Torres of Port Hueneme was on-site volunteering her time and providing free haircuts to residents. Torres works at Royal Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Camarillo and cuts hair on the side.

Legislators plan Santa Paula Health Fair Sept. 28

September 17, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, (D-Santa Barbara) and Assemblymember Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) will host a FREE Family Health Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park across from City Hall in Santa Paula.

The 2019 Family Health Fair will feature informational booths with health resources from countywide agencies and community organizations as well as FREE basic health screenings, blood pressure and glucose checks. Participants also will have a chance to get updates on health-related legislation impacting the state. Children of all ages are welcome.

For more information, contact Jackson’s office at 805-988-1940.

CEO Message: Margarita H. de Escontrias

September 3, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

CENSO 2020 – ¡TODOS CUENTAN! CENSUS 2020 EVERYONE COUNTS!

Cabrillo is gearing up to support and ensure that an accurate count occurs. Stay tuned for more information about YOUR participation in the neighborhoods we serve!

The State of California, its leadership and its residents are all on a quest for affordable housing for working people. We need both rental and owner-occupied housing and the State is engaged in reviewing zoning, land use and site identification to build affordable housing. Your voice, your vote counts and the decisions our elected officials make in the upcoming year will affect housing availability and affordability for years to come. It will drive our economy and will ensure that the labor force exists in our county, cities, and state.

We have all read the news regarding the exodus of many families out of our golden state. Let’s all work together to preserve a future for our children! Get out to vote and participate locally in meetings to express the need for more housing. Our County and many of our cities are currently completing or updating their General Plans. Let’s all pay close attention to the housing and land use elements of the Plan. This is a mandated process that requires public meetings and input and we ALL have a voice.

Su Voz es Su Voto! Your Voice is Your Vote.

Cabrillo kids enjoy active 2019 Summer Program

September 3, 2019 By Alicia Hoffman Leave a Comment

Cabrillo Resident Services has been hard at work this summer providing a variety of summer activities for children at our properties. The 2019 Summer Program took place from 1 to 4 p.m. each Tuesday through Thursday, in July and August.

The program, with themes such as Super Heroes, Disney Week, Mad Science/Community Champions, Zombie Apocalypse, and Animal Appreciation, included fun and educational workshops, games, experiments, and art projects.

Click here for more photos.