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 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.

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 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 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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