2022
Annual Report
Building affordable housing & brighter futures since 1981

Mission Statement

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation develops and manages service-enriched, inclusive residential communities, ensuring access to affordable, secure, quality housing that creates the foundation for our residents to grow and thrive.

Message from the CEO

Dear Friends and Supporters of Cabrillo EDC,

I am honored to present the 2022 annual report for Cabrillo EDC. While looking back at the year, I am reminded of the profound impact our organization had on the lives of our community members. This work is personal; it's a journey that connects me deeply to the stories of my family and our residents.

As the daughter and granddaughter of farmworkers, I have walked the paths many of our residents are walking today. I understand the challenges they face, the hardships they endure, and the dreams they hold dear. It is with immense joy that I can say Cabrillo EDC offers them hope—the hope of a brighter future, free from the perils of housing insecurity. 

When you know that your family has a stable roof over their heads and enough food on the table, you gain the capacity to hope. Hope is a powerful force that propels us forward, driving us to dream of better things for our children and ourselves. Cabrillo EDC understands that building houses goes beyond mere construction; it is the very foundation of building hope.

Cesar Chavez once said, "We draw our strength from the very despair in which we have been forced to live." These words resonate deeply with me as I witness the hard work and dedication of countless individuals in our communities who struggle to thrive despite their hard work. Cabrillo EDC’s affordable housing becomes the path out of despair and the gateway to hope, unlocking opportunities for our residents not just to survive but to thrive.

Our work goes beyond providing housing; it is about empowering individuals like Santiaga, Jorge, David, and Joanne. At Villa Cesar Chavez, farmworkers like Santiaga and Jorge can retire with dignity, while students like David receive scholarships to help them pursue higher education. We unite to build homes, and in the process, we build a nurturing and supportive community. Joanne is a resident at Camino Esperanza apartments in Simi Valley who goes above and beyond to support her neighbors and bring joy to children living in the Snapdragon Place apartments miles away in Ventura. Joanne exemplifies the impact that safe and affordable housing can have on fostering a strong sense of community and shared responsibility.

These success stories are only possible because of our dedicated board of directors, our passionate staff, our generous donors, and our remarkable residents. It is through their collective commitment that Cabrillo EDC has become an indispensable part of our community. Together, we are poised to achieve great things in 2023 and beyond.

I am delighted to announce that we have broken ground on the Dolores Huerta apartments in Oxnard this year, bringing us one step closer to providing more families a place they can call home. Our commitment to offering supportive services remains unwavering as we equip our residents with the tools they need to build a better future and spread hope in our community.

As you delve into the annual report, may you be inspired by the stories of resilience, progress, and hope that it holds. Thank you for being an integral part of Cabrillo EDC's journey, and I eagerly look forward to the promising future we will create together.

With sincere appreciation and hope,

Margarita H. de Escontrias

Chief Executive Officer
Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation

Impact

Funding Received in 2022

Resident Spotlight
Joanne - Bringing Joy and Support to the Community

Joanne is a resident and dedicated volunteer at Cabrillo EDC's Camino Esperanza Apartments in Simi Valley. Her selflessness and compassion are second to none. Joanne's commitment to serving extends beyond her volunteer efforts at Camino Esperanza, as she also helps children at Snapdragon Place Apartments in Ventura and contributes to various community events there as well. Joanne attributes her upbringing and her mother's teachings about helping others as the inspiration for her volunteer service today.  

At Camino Esperanza, Joanne's primary role is supporting her neighbors. She selflessly devotes her time to those facing isolation and lack of support. Joanne also extends her support to Cabrillo EDC's weekly Food Share program and other community initiatives. She consistently displays her eagerness to help, making

her the go-to person for pet care when neighbors are away. Since moving to Camino Esperanza in April 2017, Joanne has become an integral part of the community. Her caring nature, dedication, and love for helping others have made her beloved among residents and staff.  

Joanne also plays a very special role for the children of the Snapdragon Apartments, even though she lives 32 miles away and has never met them. She is able to do this because Cabrillo EDC Resident Manager, Ana Melendez, works at both properties and serves as a conduit for Joanne, helping build community between the two otherwise separate properties. Joanne’s caring nature shines through in thoughtful gestures like creating goodie bags for special occasions. She finds joy in spoiling these kids, especially since her own grandchildren live out of state. Joanne goes beyond simple gifts for the children and often addresses the unique needs they have. For example, when she discovered a child lacking a DVD player, she promptly donated one, ensuring the child could enjoy movies like the others. These acts of kindness demonstrate Joanne's ability to identify and alleviate challenges.  

For Joanne, volunteering brings joy and purpose. She finds fulfillment in interacting with residents, engaging in activities, and organizing social events. We are incredibly grateful for Joanne's contributions to Cabrillo EDC and the community. Her selflessness, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment inspire us all. Joanne truly embodies the spirit of volunteerism, and we are honored to have her as part of our community.

Looking Ahead
2023 and beyond at Cabrillo EDC, we will 
1.
Build more housing. In May 2023, Cabrillo EDC broke ground on the Dolores Huerta Gardens, which will provide 58 new units of affordable housing for farmworkers and veterans.
2.
Increase scholarship giving through the Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund to support young scholars.
3.
Add more programming for residents. We plan to offer 30+ educational workshops; 35 health, wellness, and safety workshops; and distribute at least 150,000 lbs of food to our neighbors.
4.
Continue to offer not just housing but homes and community for all our residents.
Meet some of the wonderful Cabrillo EDC Board Members and hear what they have to say about Cabrillo.
2022 Board of Directors
Aiza Galdo, Board Chair
Ada R. Cordero-Sacks, Esq., Vice President
Jessica Cook, Treasurer
Victor Rodriguez, Secretary
Cesar Hernandez
Alfredo Martinez
Naomi Ontiveros
Maria Perez
Mayra Ramirez
Our 2022 Sponsors
Port of Hueneme
Pacific Western Bank
Adobe
CBC Federal Credit Union
MUFG Union Bank
Celebrating Our Staff
At Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, we are more than the sum of our parts. The remarkable accomplishments we achieve daily are a testament to our exceptional staff’s unwavering dedication and commitment. Each success story presented here directly results from their tireless collective efforts. Rooted in a profound understanding of the significance of serving our residents, they go above and beyond to build better futures for everyone living in Cabrillo EDC properties.

At the heart of Cabrillo EDC, our staff embodies the essence of compassion, empathy, and hope, many of them having lived experiences within farmworker families. They intimately comprehend the transformative power of Cabrillo EDC’s housing and programs, and their willingness to invest in the well-being of our residents is truly inspiring. It is their passion and selflessness that propel us forward, and we are forever grateful for the immeasurable impact they bring to our organization and the communities we serve. We forge ahead, united in the mission to create a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow for all. Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments.

2022 Revenue

Contributions
$129,919.00
4%
Government Contracts
$284,000.00
9%
Developer Fees (Multi-Family Devs)
$0
0%
Community Services Fees
$194,326.00
6%
Partnership Management Fees
$530,094.00
16%
Property Management Fees
$1,038,437.00
32%
Rental Income - Owned Properties
$862,074.00
27%
Interest & Investment Income
$196,489.00
6%
Gain on Asset Disposal
$0
0%
Other Income
$9,814.00
0%

2022 Expenses

Housing development
$101,191
9%
Community Services
$101,191
5%
Community Services
$101,191
3%
Property Management
$626,248
20%
Management & General
$1,045,669
33%
Fundraising - Capital Campaigns
$125,847
4%
Special Events
$2,789
0%
Rental Operations
$827,832
26%
Investment in Partnerships Losses
$0
0%

2022 Balance Sheet

Thank You to Cabrillo EDC Donors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors to Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation for your unwavering support. Your commitment to our residents and community has made an immense difference. 

Cabrillo EDC’s transformative programs and services, from distributing 139,949 lbs. of food to hosting 31 Health, Wellness & Safety workshops, and conducting 26 Educational workshops, in 2022 would not have happened without your contributions.

Moreover, thanks to your compassion, $15,500 in scholarships were awarded last year, empowering community residents to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Your kindness resonates throughout Cabrillo EDC properties and beyond. Because of you, we continue to build a brighter, more promising future for all Cabrillo EDC residents. 

Thank you for giving the gift of hope and creating lasting positive change in our community.
2022
News
& Press
Releases
Solar panel installation at Camino Esperanza
Press Release from March, 2022

CEDC collaborates with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles to provide clean solar energy to its senior community in Simi Valley.

We are incredibly proud to announce our CEO,  Margarita H. de Escontrias was honored by Pacific Coast Business Times for the 2022 Latino Business Awards.

Drawing on the past to build the region's future.
News from June, 2022

VENTURA — Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. CEO Margarita H. de Escontrias draws her strength and inspiration from her ancestors. "They all toiled in the soil for generations," she said.

She points to a quote from Cesar Chavez, the co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association, now the United Farm Workers: "We draw our strength from the very despair in which we have been forced to live."

CEDC Board Member Receives 40 Under 40 Award.
Press Release from August, 2022

The Pacific Coast Business Times published its annual 40 Under 40 special report and held an event to celebrate the Class of 2022. Our very own Alfredo Martinez was a recipient of this award.

Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez visited the Cabrillo EDC headquarters.
Press Release from October, 2022

Thank you Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez for visiting the Cabrillo EDC headquarters and the Rodney Fernandez Gardens property in Santa Paula! Our team was so excited to show you around our properties that help our local farmworker families, seniors, and communities!

Mural Unveiling Celebrates Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s History and Mission
November 29, 2022 – On Giving Tuesday, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) unveiled a larger-than-life mural honoring the deep history and farmworker origin story of Cabrillo EDC. The nearly 550 square-foot mural created by artist Anthony Macri-Ortiz features elements representing important milestones, including founding Executive Director Rodney Fernandez, the multi-faceted history and origin story of Cabrillo EDC, as well as the organization’s values and principles. The mural is featured in the stairwell entrance to Cabrillo EDC’s corporate offices in Ventura, 702 County Square Drive.
Join Our Mission
Do you believe everyone deserves safe, affordable housing? Do you recognize housing as a crucial resource that empowers families and individuals to thrive? Do you believe stable housing equals hope? 

If so, please make a tax-deductible donation to Cabrillo EDC. Together, we will make a profound impact on the lives of low-income farmworkers, seniors, disabled individuals, and families residing in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Donate today and be a driving force behind the transformation of lives in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Together, we can build a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow.
Special Report:  Villa Cesar Chavez
A Haven of Affordable Housing for Farmworker Families

In the heart of Oxnard, California, lies Villa Cesar Chavez, a remarkable property developed by the Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to provide affordable housing for active and retired farmworkers and their families. This vibrant community serves as a testament to Cabrillo EDC's commitment to creating safe and supportive environments for individuals and families who have dedicated their lives to working in agriculture.

Villa Cesar Chavez is a welcoming and inclusive community. Residents Jorge Sandoval Ochoa and his wife, Santiaga Montelongo, have lived at Villa Cesar Chavez since its opening in 2006. Jorge's gratitude for the home he and his wife have found through Cabrillo EDC is immeasurable. He describes their residence at Villa Cesar Chavez as nothing short of a palace—a testament to the impact that safe and affordable housing can have on an individual's life.
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