January was a month of celebration and renewed momentum for CEDC. On January 28, we proudly opened the doors to Village Senior Apartments in Buellton, a milestone that reflects years of partnership, persistence, and shared belief in the dignity and well‑being of our seniors. Standing alongside residents, community leaders, and partners as we welcomed new neighbors into their homes was a powerful reminder of why our mission matters. Village Senior is more than a building; it is a promise kept to the seniors of Santa Barbara County, and a testament to what we can achieve together.

As we carry that energy into the year ahead, CEDC is poised for an exciting season of growth. New developments are moving through the pipeline, resident services are expanding, and our teams are strengthening the systems that support long‑term organizational health. From advancing new affordable housing communities to deepening our impact through Resident & Community Services, we are building the foundation for meaningful progress across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

We’re honored to share this work with you. Your partnership, advocacy, and belief in our mission fuel everything we do. With Village Senior now open and so many promising projects on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of impact, innovation, and continued service to the communities we proudly call home.

With Appreciation, 

Victoria Brady
Chief Executive Officer

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) celebrated the grand opening of Village Senior Apartments in Buellton on January 28. The new community provides 50 affordable homes for seniors, including units for senior high‑health users, senior veterans, and formerly unhoused senior veterans. Thirteen units are designated specifically for veterans.

After eight years of homelessness, resident Joe Chavez now has a stable home. “I’m blessed here. I’m happy; I was on the streets for eight years, but these people made me happy again,” he shared.

Half of the apartments include mobility features, and residents have access to free confidential supportive services and an onsite coordinator who organizes social, educational, and recreational programs in partnership with community organizations.

“This tremendous community approach is what brings these projects to life,” said CEO Victoria Brady. “We’re thrilled to provide safe, affordable housing for Buellton’s seniors.” Mayor David Silva added, “If you want to know who a community is, look at how it takes care of its neighbors.” Village Senior is CEDC’s first development in Santa Barbara County and responds to the region’s rapidly growing senior population.

Photo Descriptions, Clockwise from top:  CEO Victoria Brady and Board President Aiza Galdo receive a certificate from Ruth Vazquez, Field Representative of Congressman Salud Carbajal, CA-24. Ms. Brady and Ms. Galdo officially cut the ribbon for Village Senior Apartments. Daniel Dang, Senior Project Manager, speaking to guests during a tour of 1 and 2 bedroom units at Village Senior. Mayor, David Silva, speaking on behalf of the City of Buellton at the Grand Opening.  

Local officials and partners attended the ribbon-cutting, with certificates presented by state and federal representatives. Derrick Wada, CEDC’s Director of Real Estate Development, noted, “We are opening doors to stability, community, and dignity.”

The event was co‑hosted by Legacy Builder Sponsor McCarthy Companies, the project’s general contractor. “Being named Legacy Builder Sponsor reflects a partnership built on trust and shared values,” said CEO Tony Koeijmans. Additional sponsors included RCAC, Office42, Sean Leonard, and Y&M Architects.

Read the full story about the Village Senior Grand Opening

The Compliance Team plays a vital and often behind‑the‑scenes role in ensuring that CEDC’s housing communities remain safe, stable, and fully aligned with the regulations that make long‑term affordability possible. Their work forms the backbone of compliance across all federal, state, and local programs, including LIHTC and USDA‑RD, helping protect the funding and regulatory standing that keep our homes affordable for the long run.

At the heart of their work is meticulous oversight of income certifications, file audits, reporting, and ongoing monitoring. These processes may be complex, but they are essential to preserving affordability and reducing organizational risk. By staying ahead of regulatory requirements and changes, the Compliance Team ensures that every CEDC community meets the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and readiness.

The team partners closely with property management, ownership, and leadership to provide guidance, training, and day‑to‑day support. Their collaboration strengthens community operations and ensures that staff across all levels have the knowledge and tools they need to uphold compliance. This proactive approach not only safeguards funding but also enhances the resident experience.

Ultimately, the Compliance Team’s impact extends far beyond paperwork, they play a critical role in sustaining affordable housing for farmworkers, families, seniors, veterans, and individuals throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Their diligence and expertise directly support CEDC’s mission of community building, equity, and economic development. We’re proud to spotlight their essential contributions to the health and longevity of our communities.

 Read the full story about CEDC’s Compliance Team

Maria Quintero, Director of Compliance

Jennifer Toledo, Compliance Assistant. 

Bethany B. Taijeron, Compliance Assistant

This quarter’s Star of the Quarter - Resident and Community Services Coordinator, Cindy Peña, stands out for her deep sense of purpose and commitment to serving diverse communities. In the video, Cindy shares that what initially drew her to CEDC was learning that the organization focused on “affordable housing for farm working communities.” As she explains, “I knew that they had different communities, but my main concern and what guided me here was wanting to work with them.” That motivation continues to shape how she shows up every day.

As Cindy became more connected to the mission, her focus expanded to serving everyone with care and intention. She emphasizes, “I want to be as best as I can for all of our communities, for our elderly residents, for our veterans, for our people living with mental health issues, for our low-income families, from working families… for everyone.” Her words reflect the compassion and responsibility she brings to her role, ensuring no group is overlooked.

At the heart of Cindy’s work is a genuine desire to give back. She shares, “I really want to provide them with everything that I can,” underscoring her hands-on, people-first approach. Cindy also speaks proudly about the organization itself, saying, “I think CEDC is a great organization that strives to build better communities with low-income housing,” a sentiment clearly mirrored in her own efforts.

Looking ahead, Cindy is focused on strengthening connections and collaboration across the organization. She shares, “I want to continue to foster good relationships within our residents, property managers, my department, and with other departments.” Through her dedication, empathy, and collaborative spirit, Cindy Peña exemplifies what it truly means to be a Star of the Quarter.

We are proud to honor Cindy for her service and commitment to our organization and for being a shining example of what it means to live CEDC’s mission every day.

Read more about Cindy Peña

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!