January 2025 Newsletter
Happy New Year! Welcome to the January 2025 edition of Cabrillo Vistas – A Newsletter of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation!
In this issue we are proud to share:
- A welcome message from Victoria Brady, our new CEO.
- Construction updates on Dolores Huerta Gardens and Buellton Senior Apartments.
- Exciting news about our Little Free Libraries project promoting literacy.
- New board members Louie Valenzuela and Stacy Swanson.
- Recent activities for CabrilloEDC residents.
- Celebrating Alfredo Martinez’s Emerging Leader Award.
- Leadership updates with key hires and promotions at CEDC.
- Recent grants that are transforming lives.
Enjoy this issue, and as always, please let us know if you have any feedback.
As we look ahead to 2025, I am filled with optimism about the opportunities that lie before us. Our commitment to expanding affordable housing, driving economic development, and amplifying the voices of our community in every decision will remain at the core of our work. Together, we will rise to meet the challenges ahead and work toward a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing and the opportunities to thrive.
It is both an honor and a privilege to introduce myself as the new CEO of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. Many of you may know me from my 14+ years of working alongside this exceptional team, and I am thrilled to now step into the CEO role. With deep pride, I will continue our shared mission to create affordable housing, foster economic opportunities, and drive lasting change in the communities we serve.
The journey ahead is full of promise and possibility. I am committed to building upon the strong foundation of growth, innovation, and collaboration that Cabrillo has established over the years —much of which is thanks to the vision and leadership of our founder, Rodney Fernandez. His unwavering dedication has shaped our path and laid the groundwork for the work we continue today. And more recently, under the leadership of Margarita H. de Escontrias, with whom I had the privilege of working closely for many years, her invaluable support and guidance made a lasting impact. With the support of our dedicated staff, partners, and supporters like you, I am confident that we will continue to empower individuals and families while building vibrant, resilient communities.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued support. I look forward to working with all of you in this new chapter, as we strengthen our impact and further our mission.
Wishing you all a prosperous New Year as we are excited for all new things to come!
Warmly,
Victoria Brady, CEO
Construction Updates
We are pleased to share updates on two exciting construction projects. Dolores Huerta Gardens in Oxnard, and Buellton Senior Apartments in Buellton. Please see below for updates and exciting drone footage for each property.
Interior of a unit takes shape. 
Work in progress. 
Framing is complete!
Dolores Huerta Gardens in Oxnard
The countdown to the grand opening for this 58-unit property in south Oxnard has begun! Construction is on track to wrap up by March 2025. We have new drone footage to share, courtesy of Staples Construction, Edgecon, and Humberto Martin. Follow this link to see the latest drone footage or watch the video below.
Buellton Senior Apartments
We’ve made major progress on the construction of the 50-unit Buellton Senior Apartments. Our progress is due to the hard work and collaboration of the teams at Y&M Architects, McCarthy Companies, and S.L. Leonard and Associates. We anticipate completion in mid-2026. To see the latest drone footage of our progress, click on this link or the video below.
Promoting Reading and Literacy in Our Neighborhoods – The Little Free Libraries Project
In addition to homework clubs and afterschool tutoring, Cabrillo EDC is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to books. Thanks to grants from the Ventura County Credit Union and the Harriet Samuelsson Foundation, we have initiated our own book sharing project to install book kiosks at 10 properties in our portfolio. The Little Free Library program is a national program to insure access to books in every community in the U.S. Studies have shown that the more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. The Little Free Library kiosks have been purchased and the first two installed. Our first Little Free Library was installed at the Paseos (Paseo del Rio and Paseo Santa Clara) in Oxnard. Edwin, the Property Manager at Paseo del Rio tells us that in addition residents using the library, adults and children from the surrounding neighborhood use it as well.
Little Library at Snapdragon Apartments in Ventura 
Little Library at the Paseos in Oxnard.
The second Little Free Library was recently installed and a ceremony was hosted in November by the Snapdragon Place I Property Manager, Sandra, and several young residents. We’ll keep you posted as more Little Libraries are installed over the next few months!
New Cabrillo EDC Board Members
Cabrillo EDC is thrilled to welcome Louie Valenzuela and Stacy Swanson, CFRE, to our Board of Directors!
Louie, Chief Operations Officer at Associated Building Supply, Inc., brings a strong background in agriculture and construction, along with nonprofit board experience. He is eager to share his expertise to support affordable housing for low-income families and farmworkers.
Stacy, Chief Development Officer at Interface Children & Family Services, offers extensive experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, and strategic planning. As a longtime Ventura County resident, she is passionate about advancing CEDC’s mission to provide housing services and empower families.
We are excited to have Louie and Stacy join us in shaping the future of affordable housing in our community.
Read more about Louie and Stacy on our blog!
At Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), we closed out 2024 with incredible community events celebrating culture, creativity, and connection. From pumpkin painting at Santa Paulan to a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration at Meta Street Apartments, our residents and partners came together to create joyful memories. Highlights included the launch of a Little Library at Snapdragon, a festive tamale and salsa contest at Villa Cesar Chavez, and a heartwarming tree lighting and holiday potluck at Paseo Santa Clara and Del Rio. These events showcased the power of collaboration and the strength of our community bonds. A special thank-you to our RCS Coordinator, Cindy Peña, and all the property managers, residents, and local businesses who made these moments possible.
We’re so grateful for the generosity of our donors and the enthusiasm of our residents in making these celebrations a success. From handing out toy donations at the holiday potluck to raffling off gift baskets at Santa Paulan, this season has been filled with joy and gratitude. To learn more about these events and the people who made them unforgettable, click here to read the full article.
Celebrating CEDC Board Member Alfredo Martinez: An Emerging Leader in Financial Empowerment
Alfredo Martinez, Vice President of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s (CEDC) Board and Oxnard community representative, was honored with the inaugural Emerging Leader Award by the National Association of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals (NLCUP). This recognition highlights his exceptional work in financial inclusion and community impact.
As Premier America Credit Union’s Financial Inclusion & Education Officer, Martinez has led over 60 financial wellness workshops in six months, empowering individuals across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Marci Francisco, Premier America’s Chief Experience Officer, praised his efforts: “Alfredo’s work is about more than workshops—it’s about giving people the tools to build secure, brighter futures.”
At CEDC, Martinez plays a key role in advancing affordable housing and sustainable community development. Denise Bickerstaff, CEDC’s Director of Business Development, said, “Alfredo’s dedication and hard work make him indispensable to our community.”
Martinez’s recent achievements include receiving the NextGen Advocacy Grant, which took him to Washington, D.C., to advocate for financial inclusion.
CEDC congratulates Alfredo Martinez for his well-deserved recognition and his impactful contributions to economic empowerment and community resilience. Read the full story here.
Exciting Leadership Updates at CEDC
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is thrilled to announce key hires and promotions that reflect our commitment to providing affordable, secure, and quality housing while fostering a supportive and creative workplace.
Victoria Brady has been promoted from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Executive Officer. Her visionary leadership and dedication to CEDC’s mission ensure a bright future for our organization and the communities we serve.
Jerrick Holloway joins as Director of Project Management, bringing 15+ years of experience to expand our housing initiatives.
Bianca Farmer, our new Director of Resident and Community Services, brings passion and expertise in supporting families and communities.
Brenda Mares, has been promoted to Director of Human Resources, exemplifying our dedication to growth and inclusivity.
Maria Quintero steps into her new role as Director of Compliance, reflecting her excellence and leadership since joining in 2008.
These leaders embody CEDC’s mission and values, driving us toward a future where everyone has access to affordable, supportive housing.
Read the full story here.
Cabrillo EDC Secures New Grants to Advance Affordable Housing Initiatives
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC), Ventura County’s largest nonprofit affordable housing developer, recently received a total of $385,000 in grants from U.S. Bank, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and The Home Depot Foundation. These contributions will support Cabrillo EDC’s mission to create safe, affordable housing and empower underserved communities. All of us at Cabrillo EDC are incredibly grateful for these partnerships.
A $175,000 grant from U.S. Bank will enhance community programs, including educational and wellness initiatives for residents. The Hilton Foundation’s $10,000 grant through its Good Neighbor Program provides vital operating support to further Cabrillo EDC’s efforts in creating equitable housing solutions. And a $200,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation will fund construction for Buellton Village Senior Apartments, a critical project offering affordable housing for seniors and senior veterans in Santa Barbara County.
“These partnerships empower us to continue transforming lives through affordable housing and support programs,” said Victoria Brady, CEO of Cabrillo EDC. “We are grateful for their commitment to building stronger communities.”
