As we close out 2025, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our residents, partners, supporters, and staff who have walked alongside CEDC through a year of meaningful progress and renewed momentum. This has been a year of rebuilding, strengthening our systems, and deepening our commitment to the communities we serve across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

December also marks the launch of our End-of-Year Campaign, an opportunity for our supporters to directly invest in the stability and success of the thousands of individuals and families who call CEDC community’s home. Every contribution helps us expand services, maintain high-quality affordable housing, and continue advancing our mission with purpose and integrity.

As we enter this holiday season, I want to wish all of you a joyful, peaceful, and restorative time with loved ones. Your generosity and belief in our mission truly make a difference.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are filled with optimism. With new partnerships forming, development opportunities emerging, and our organizational capacity stronger than ever, CEDC is poised to make an even greater impact in the year to come.

Thank you for being part of this journey. It is a privilege to lead this organization alongside such a talented and dedicated team, and we are excited for all that lies ahead.

With appreciation,

Victoria Brady
Chief Executive Officer 

CEDC was proud to welcome Miguel Rodriguez to our Board of Directors in September. His story reflects deep roots in Ventura County and a lifelong commitment to strengthening the communities he calls home.

Miguel grew up in Oxnard, where he often translated for immigrant families who were navigating new systems and challenges. Those early experiences shaped his understanding of service and inspired a career focused on expanding opportunity for others. Over the years, he has led grassroots efforts throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties that helped restore public transportation, advance affordable housing, and create safe public spaces. He has been part of the first “Dreamer” cohort, organized youth programs that received national recognition, and presented policy research to White House officials during his time at UCLA.

Today, Miguel serves as Director of Community Relations and Workforce Development at the Port of Hueneme. In this role, he works at the intersection of community engagement, environmental justice, and economic growth. He builds partnerships that lift up local families and open pathways to education, training, and quality jobs. His thoughtful leadership and on the ground experience will be invaluable as Cabrillo EDC continues to develop affordable housing and expand resident services across Ventura County and beyond.

We are honored to welcome Miguel to our Board. His insight and dedication will help guide CEDC’s work as we continue to invest in thriving and connected communities. Please join us in celebrating this exciting moment and in welcoming Miguel to the CEDC family.

CEDC is proud to introduce Village Senior Apartments, a new affordable housing community in Buellton that is already making a meaningful difference. This property brings 50 high quality homes to seniors, senior veterans, and formerly unhoused senior veterans. Three households have already moved in, and more units are available for those seeking a safe and stable home.

Village Senior Apartments was designed with the needs of older adults at the center. The property offers 44 one bedroom units and six two bedroom units, each with central air, blinds, durable flooring, walk in and linen closets, built in storage, and private balconies. Kitchens include full appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and oven, and garbage disposal. Energy star rated appliances and a solar system help lower utility costs, which eases financial stress for residents on fixed incomes. Half of all units include mobility features that promote comfort and independence.

Beyond the walls of each home, the community offers shared spaces where residents can stay active and connected. Amenities include elevators, EV charging, outdoor gathering areas, a community living room, multipurpose and conference rooms, and easy access to local stores and a public park. Residents will also have support from CEDC’s social services team, who provide resources and programs that promote wellness, engagement, and stability.

Village Senior Apartments reflects the heart of CEDC’s mission. We develop and manage service enriched, inclusive residential communities that offer affordable, secure, quality housing. This new property gives seniors a stable foundation to grow and thrive, while strengthening the entire Buellton community. When older adults have a safe place to call home, they can remain active neighbors, supportive grandparents, dedicated volunteers, and community anchors who enrich the region.

As more residents move in, Village Senior Apartments is already becoming a vibrant part of the local fabric.

Units are still available. To learn more, please contact the Property Manager at 805-697-0029.

From left to right: Giselle Calixtro, Brittany Freeman, Tessa Godinez, Eileen Panter, Amy Lopez, and Thomas Naughton.

Not pictured:  Angela Cavalier. 

CEDC is proud to shine a light on the talented Finance Department, a team whose steady work keeps our organization running smoothly every day. In an affordable housing organization, finance plays a central role. This team manages project budgets, supports property level accounting, oversees audits and reporting, and helps ensure every development and resident service program remains strong and compliant. Their work strengthens the foundation of everything we do.

The department is led by Chief Financial Officer Giselle Calixtro, whose leadership guides CEDC’s financial strategy and long term planning. She is joined by Accounting Manager Amy Lopez, Corporate Staff Accountant Eileen Panter, Senior Staff Accountant Thomas Naughton, Corporate Bookkeeper Brittany Freeman, and Property Management Bookkeepers Angela Cavalier and Tessa Godinez. Each brings unique experience and personal dedication that supports our mission and the residents we serve.

Their commitment helps ensure our communities stay financially healthy and that CEDC can continue building and preserving affordable homes across Ventura County.

Read the full spotlight on our Finance Team here.

Giselle Calixtro, Chief Financial Officer

Thomas Naughton, Senior Staff Accountant

Angela Cavalier, Property Management Bookkeeper

Tessa Godinez, Property Management Bookkeeper

Eileen Panter, Corporate Staff Accountant

Brittany Freeman, Corporate Bookkeeper

Amy Lopez, Accounting Manager

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation is closing out 2025 with important progress across its properties and resident programs, and is calling on community members to help advance its year-end fundraising campaign. CEDC is currently 80% of the way toward its $10,000 goal, and every gift directly fuels the services that transform housing into opportunity.

While CEDC’s award winning development work brings affordable housing to Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, the Resident and Community Services programs are what truly empower dreams and strengthen communities. These programs are funded entirely by donors like you and receive no support from government grants or development revenue.

This year, resident programs provided 6,300 pounds of food, hosted 126 on-site events and workshops, and supported students and families through more than 1,000 volunteer and tutoring hours. These services help families build stability, help youth stay engaged in school, help seniors remain connected and healthy, and help farmworkers and low income households strengthen their financial future.

The need for these programs continues to grow. As CEDC looks ahead to 2026, donor support is critical to keeping these life changing services strong and accessible to all residents.

Now is the moment to step in. Every contribution directly supports programs that empower dreams, strengthen communities, and create lasting change.

CEDC encourages supporters, partners, and neighbors across the region to join in and help ensure these programs continue to thrive in the year ahead.

Affordable housing attorney and longtime CEDC partner Barbara Macri-Ortiz was recently honored by the Ventura County Bar Association with the 2025 Ben E. Nordman Public Service Award for her deep commitment to Ventura County. Barbara has spent nearly four decades championing fair housing, tenant protections, and stronger opportunities for farmworker and low income families.

Her leadership helped shape CEDC during its early years, when the organization was defining its mission and building the foundation for the work we do today. Barbara guided key developments across the county, supported efforts to expand farmworker housing, and brought her extensive legal expertise to issues that directly affect the communities we serve. Her voice, her clarity, and her belief in safe, affordable homes as a basic right continue to influence our work and our values.

Read the full story about Barbara’s impact here.

Looking for a meaningful career with impact? Join us at Cabrillo EDC! Visit our Careers page to learn more about the positions listed below and apply today to join our passionate team dedicated to building stronger communities through affordable housing!