As a Charter Member of the University Site Authority, I worked to authorize the financing packages for development of the below-market-rate housing units on the campus for faculty and staff. The housing for faculty and staff began in 2002 that incorporates a mix of rental apartments, townhouses and single-family residents. Housing continues to grow as the University welcomed more than 3,590 students in the fall of 2007.
The second phase of student housing was completed this summer with the opening of Santa Cruz Village. This phase of student housing adds more that 450 beds to the University’s current capacity of 360 beds at Anacapa Village. Included in the facility are computer rooms, lounges, a dance studio, and an array of other public spaces for students.
Campus infrastructure improvements continue at a brisk pace with the opening of a new campus parking lot; a new bookstore location and renovated of dining facility. The University continues to add academic programs and serves as an economic engine for our community, region, and state.
CAMARILLO LIBRARY
As a member of the Library Commission, I worked alongside the County Director of Libraries, and the City of Camarillo to secure funds for a new library. In the summer of 2003 Grant funds were awarded to the City in the amount of $15.6 million to build a new 65,000 square foot facility on a 10-acre site on Las Posas Road. In December of 2005 the Board of Supervisors voted to transfer the Camarillo Library building and the site at 3100 Ponderosa Drive to the City of Camarillo for the sum of one dollar. March 31, 2007 marked the opening day of the Camarillo Library. I greatly enjoyed the partnership with the Friends of the Camarillo Library and the City Council Members to see this project come to fruition.
LEWIS ROAD IMPROVEMENT
In April and May of 2005, I spoke before the State Transportation Commission outlining the need for Lewis Road improvements. State transportation officials approved a first-of-its type financing package and the construction of the widening project began in May 2006.
The Phase 1 widening of Lewis Road from Pleasant Valley Road, past the California State University-Channel Islands, to Hueneme Road is completed and has provided a much-needed safer roadway for residents of Camarillo, the University, as well as all travelers using Lewis Road.
The state segment, which is the 2nd Phase of improvements, runs from 101 Highway, Ventura Boulevard to Pleasant Valley Road, is scheduled to start in the spring of 2008.
RAIN PROJECT/LEWIS ROAD SITE
I worked with the RAIN Transitional Living Project since its inception in 1997 and recently honored them with a Board resolution on their 10-year anniversary of dedicated service to homeless families and individuals.
The RAIN Project moved to its current site on Lewis Road In December, 2003. RAIN provides support services to both adults and children including counseling, tutoring, drug and alcohol and domestic violence support groups, parenting and money management classes to assist families and individuals to move back into the community.
As Chair of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, I’m working to implement the strategies developed in the 10-year plan to end Homelessness.
SEMINARY BRIDGE REMOVAL
I worked closely with the Watershed Protection District (WPD) and the City of Camarillo supporting the appeal of the FEMA preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM). In August 2006 FEMA proposed a two-year period of reprieve before adopting the DFIRM maps, acknowledging the arguments put forth by my office, WPD, and the City of Camarillo.
The Watershed Protection District (District) has completed the removal of the Seminary Road Bridge and channel improvements, thereby increasing the channel capacity and providing 100-year flood protection for residents and businesses in the City of Camarillo. The District provided a new entrance for the St. John’s Seminary from Upland Road, west of the Arroyo Las Posas to replace the bridge.
I will continue to closely track the flooding concerns within the county and remain involved with pursuing pro-active solutions wherever possible.
