As we enter the holiday season, I’m reminded of how powerful community truly is. In times like these, when challenges seem to touch every corner of our lives, it is our connections with one another that make all the difference. Whether it’s a kind word, a shared meal, or simply checking in on a neighbor, every act of care helps strengthen the fabric that holds us together.

At CEDC, we know that our work is about more than housing, it’s about people, connection, and hope. That’s why I’m especially proud to share that this month, we opened the doors to our newest community, Village Senior Apartments in Buellton. This beautiful new property will provide safe, affordable homes for more than 50 seniors, offering not just stability but also belonging and opportunity. Celebrating this milestone reminds us of what can be achieved when we come together with purpose and care.

CEDC’s mission has always been rooted in community. We are here not only to build housing but to help build hope, stability, and opportunity for all. As we continue our work across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, please know that CEDC remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting you, our residents, partners, and friends.

As we give thanks this November, let’s remember to look out for one another, check on a neighbor, lend a helping hand, or simply share a smile. Every act of kindness strengthens the foundation of our community and reflects the spirit that defines CEDC’s mission.

From all of us at CEDC, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with gratitude, peace, and connection.

With appreciation,

Victoria Brady
Chief Executive Officer 

We are proud to introduce this year’s Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarship recipients, four exceptional students who grew up in CEDC communities and are now pursuing degrees that will shape stronger, healthier, and more connected futures.

Wendy Rivera is studying civil engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and hopes to become a Project Engineer creating infrastructure that serves local communities.
Vanessa Montejano is a mechanical engineering student at CSU Northridge whose work in renewable energy and assistive technology reflects a commitment to equity and innovation.
Jesus Angel Avila is a first year biology major at SBCC with plans to transfer to Cal Poly and build a career in agriculture right here in Ventura County.
Mireya Avila Mejia is completing her nursing studies and plans to serve Spanish speaking patients as she advances toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

Their determination and community spirit embody the heart of this scholarship program.

Read their full stories here.

We are proud to honor Daniel Dang as CEDC’s Star of the Quarter for Q3 2025. Daniel brings a thoughtful, steady presence to our development team and plays a key role in moving projects from concept to construction and, ultimately, to the families who will call them home.

Daniel’s path into affordable housing is shaped by personal experience. As a teenager, he watched his own family struggle during the housing crisis. That moment set him on a course toward work anchored in justice, dignity, and opportunity. Today, he channels that commitment into every project he leads.

In his role as Senior Project Manager, Daniel keeps complex timelines moving, brings teams together, and translates complicated processes into clear steps for colleagues and partners. He is known for being patient, grounded, and incredibly generous with his time. He mentors junior staff, supports cross-department teams, and always makes space for learning.

One of his proudest recent milestones was seeing families move into Dolores Huerta Gardens in Oxnard, a project with a long and challenging path to completion. Watching farmworker families receive the keys to their new homes was a moment that reminded him why this work matters.

Daniel’s leadership reflects CEDC’s values in action, and his dedication strengthens every community we serve. We are grateful for his skill, his heart, and the care he brings to each project.

Congratulations, Daniel! This recognition is well earned.

Read more about Daniel here. 

Sheyla Batres is a transformational leader in affordable housing with over two decades of experience driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strategic portfolio growth across national markets. As Director of Property Management at Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), Sheyla oversees multi-site operations, leads cross-functional teams, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, service-enriched housing for residents throughout the region.

Her career spans leadership roles at top housing organizations, where she has managed portfolios exceeding $75 million annually and expanded affordable housing access by more than 9,500 units through acquisitions and rehabilitations. Sheyla brings deep expertise in LIHTC, Section 8, HOME, Bond, Land Use, and Rural Housing programs, and has consistently delivered industry-leading audit pass rates and compliance outcomes.

Known for her strategic vision and resident-centered approach, Sheyla excels in change management, talent development, and stakeholder engagement. Her commitment to integrity, accountability, and community impact aligns seamlessly with CEDC’s mission to create inclusive, thriving neighborhoods. Sheyla holds multiple housing compliance certifications and a California Real Estate Broker License.  Read more on the CEDC Blog. 

Older adults are getting ready to move into Village Senior Apartments, and many will arrive with little more than their personal belongings. Giving Tuesday is your chance to change that in a meaningful and immediate way.

A Welcome Home Basket provides kitchen essentials, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and pantry staples. These simple items make the first night feel safe, supported, and hopeful. They help residents settle in with dignity and confidence, and they send a clear message that our community cares.

This year, we are preparing to welcome residents to 50 new apartments. Every basket moves a senior  one step closer to stability.

Your gift strengthens communities allowing residents to thrive.

One CEDC resident put it best, “On my first night, opening the cupboards and seeing food and dishes already there made me feel like someone had been waiting for me. It finally felt like home.”

Help us bring that feeling to every new resident at Village Senior Apartments. We are almost there! Will you help us meet our goal? Click on the link below to see our progress on our actual raised-to goal meter.

Join us this Giving Tuesday and give the gift of home.

All of us at CEDC are grateful to our partners whose support builds stability, well being, and a true sense of home for all CEDC residents. Each sponsorships provides essential services, supportive programs, and welcoming spaces where farmworkers, older adults, Veterans, families, and individuals can thrive.

This year, our sponsors supported everything from food distribution and wellness activities to financial coaching, resident leadership programs, and the day to day support that helps people feel safe and connected.

Their investment strengthens CEDC’s mission and sustains the vital services offered across our properties, including after school programs, community workshops, health and wellness activities, and individualized support that makes a lasting difference.

Thank you Sponsors for your investment in our community! 

Legacy Builder Sponsor

Community Builder Sponsor
Charitable Trust of Don and Marilyn Childs

Home Builder Sponsors
Premier America Credit Union
Staples Construction
Banc of California

Platinum Hammer Sponsors
Goldfarb Lipman Attorneys
First Citizens Bank
Office42 Architecture

Welcome Home Basket-Community Champion Sponsors 
Community West Bank
Fence Factory
Scott & Sons Electric

S.L. Leonard & Associates, Inc.
Ventura County JACL

Anonymous

Dolores Huerta Gardens Grand Opening Co-Host 
The Port of Hueneme

Dolores Huerta Gardens Grand Opening Sponsors
First Citizens Bank
Staples Construction Company
Office42 Architecture