97% of Ventura County
Dr. Nicolas Palacios - Global Marketing Manager - Amgen
97% of development here in Ventura County is planned as Agriculture or Open Space, meaning the remaining is what is allocated to housing, commercial and industrial developments. This is just one factor influencing housing here in addition to the larger issues affecting the crisis across the state. As a part of Ventura County Leadership Academy’s Cohort XXX, I attended session four on housing. There, we were lucky enough to meet two groups trying to do something about the issue.
Mesa, in Ojai, is a community of tiny homes aiming to intervene in the lives of youth experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The team provides an individualized, trauma-informed approach, focusing on building trust and relationships rather than following a strict program. The goal is to meet clients where they are and support them holistically through vocational support, wellness offerings and community connections. Mesa just moved their first residents in this past August and have many plans to build out their 10-acre lot sustainably with support from local businesses and non-profits. Dan Parziale's enthusiasm for the project and the young adults living there was infectious!
The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura built the community of Westview Village where the Tortilla Flats housing projects once was. Tortilla Flats originally opened in the 1950's to house those working class families displaced by the building of Highway 101. This history was proudly on display on the mural seen in the pictures. The original 180 units will have been replaced with 320 units now in Westview Village. Beyond providing affordable public housing, Westview has a state-of-the-art community center, two early childhood development classrooms, and much more for it's residents.
It was hard not to leave this session inspired and hopeful for housing in Ventura County. Thank you to Pattie Braga & Ventura County Leadership Academy for a wonderful session.