This edition of the Legislative Lens podcast features Dominic Kardum, Senior Deputy District Attorney with the Ventura County DA's Real Estate Fraud Unit, and Jorge DeLeon, Chairman of the Real Estate Fraud Advisory Team (REFAT), as they delve into real estate fraud and how consumers can protect themselves. The episode traces REFAT's inception in the early 2000s from the need to address prevalent loan modification scams, establishing its mission to prevent, detect, and report real estate fraud in collaboration with the Ventura County DA's specialized fraud unit, one of the first of its kind in California. The discussion highlights current fraud trends, including a significant uptick in wire fraud where criminals access transactions online to steal funds, and prevalent rental scams involving too-good-to-be-true offers and demands for upfront cash app payments without property viewing. The two also share practical ways consumers can educate and protect themselves.

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 **Andy Ortega's Background & Personal Story**

 *   Andy's 37-year career with the Ventura County Fire Department, following in his father's footsteps.

    *   He retired in 2017 as Assistant Chief of Emergency Operations/Services.

    *   His retirement bliss was interrupted by the **Thomas Fire** on December 4th, 2017, which burned down his home.

    *   This personal trauma shifted his perspective, leading him to join the Fire Safe Council after rebuilding his home. He describes losing everything as "winning the reverse lottery".

**Understanding the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council**

    *   The Council was founded in **2009** by the then Ventura County Fire Chief.

    *   It is a **non-profit organization**.

    *   Its primary goal is **fire resilience, wildfire safety, and wildfire education** for the community, neighborhoods, and individuals.

    *   Unlike response organizations like the Ventura County Fire Department, Fire Safe Councils exist to **reach and educate the community** about preparedness.

    *   **Funding** is predominantly from **grants** (90-95%), with additional contributions from foundations, sponsorships, or events. Funding has significantly increased due to rising wildfire activity in the West.

    *   The Council has grown from two employees in 2017 to **nine people** and contractors currently, due to the intense urgency to solve problems after massive disasters.

**Successes & Key Initiatives**

    *   **Capacity Growth**: The increase in staff has enabled greater capacity to help communities and resource other Fire Safe Councils.

    *   **Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)**: Ventura County completed a CWPP two years ago, which is an extensive plan with actionable items and priorities, one of only a handful in California. It helps identify vulnerable neighborhoods for targeted programs.

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In the eighth episode, host Rob Leatherwood visits with James Mason, Community and Economic Development Director, and Caesar Hernandez, Management Analyst for the City of Santa Paula. Together, they offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping this vibrant community.

 Santa Paula is undergoing a transformation, shedding negative stereotypes through streamlined development and a proactive approach to growth. As the city navigates a projected 20%-25% population increase over the next decade, the conversation focuses on balancing the preservation of small-town charm with modernization. This growth requires significant investments in infrastructure and services, raising questions about whether tax revenue can meet these demands.

 A major theme is creating local job opportunities, as over 74% of Santa Paula residents currently commute 20+ minutes for work. James and Caesar discuss strategies to promote economic development, including leveraging tourism to capitalize on the city’s cultural and natural assets.

 Affordable housing is also a key issue. The city is working to support diverse housing developments that address the needs of both existing and future residents. Aligning housing initiatives with economic goals and community values is critical to maintaining Santa Paula’s unique character.

 This episode offers a compelling look into how Santa Paula is planning for sustainable growth while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re a resident, housing professional, or community advocate, you’ll gain valuable perspectives on the complexities of urban planning in Ventura County.

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In the seventh episode, host Rob Leatherwood sits down with Louise Lampara, Executive Director of the Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business (CoLAB). Louise shares her journey in public service, where she became an expert in land-use policy, agriculture, and water management. The conversation delves into the complexities of homeownership and legislative challenges in Ventura County, focusing on the impact of SOAR (Save Our Agricultural Resources) legislation and the pressing need for modern solutions in a post-COVID world.

 Louise reflects on her experiences navigating bureaucratic challenges while advocating for effective land-use and resource management. She explains why saving farmland does not always translate to saving farming, highlighting the struggles farmers face under SOAR due to restrictive land-use policies and inadequate resource allocations. The episode also discusses the prolonged 17-year approval process for the Harvest at Limoneira housing development in Santa Paula, using it as an example of the inefficiencies within the current system. Louise shares her vision for reimagining SOAR to strike a balance between agricultural preservation and sustainable growth that meets the evolving needs of Ventura County.

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In the sixth episode, host Rob Leatherwood and special guest Jeffrey Lambert Ventura’s Community Development Director, share insights into the housing challenges and opportunities in Ventura County. From post-disaster rebuilding to long-term affordable housing strategies, Jeff discusses how policies and community initiatives are shaping the region’s housing future.

 Jeff reflects on his experiences following the Thomas Fire, where rebuilding efforts tested the city’s resilience and highlighted opportunities for innovation in community planning. He shares lessons learned from managing rebuilding staff and the importance of creating streamlined, effective processes.

 The discussion moves to Jeff’s new role with the Housing Authority. He offers insights into its mission, challenges, and the people it serves. Jeff explains the long waitlist for subsidized housing, the dynamics of affordable housing, and the importance of initiatives like the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) programs that aim to uplift residents.

 Jeff outlines his short-term goals, including the Valentine Road project and partnerships with local school districts and employers, and his long-term vision to reintroduce the Housing Authority to the community. His plans to rebrand, streamline processes, and build partnerships reflect his commitment to addressing the housing crisis effectively.

 Ventura County’s housing challenges remain unique and complex. From balancing affordable and market-rate housing to securing additional funding, Jeff emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to strengthen the local economy and provide homes for diverse community members.

 This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of housing in Ventura County. Join us for a compelling conversation on building a stronger, more inclusive community.

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In Episode 5, host Rob Leatherwood and special guest Linda Braunschweiger explore affordable housing in Ventura County. Learn about the Housing Trust Fund and Housing Land Trust Ventura County, and their crucial roles. We discuss the legal definition of affordable housing, funding challenges, costs, and innovative living models. Discover shifting public opinions, the impact of California’s budget on housing, and the recent VC Housing Bond. Finally, we cover the need for diverse jobs, housing options, homebuyer education, and legislative action needed to create sustainable housing solutions.

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In the fourth episode, host Rob Leatherwood and special guest Ventura City Councilmember Doug Halter discuss a life of service to the City of Ventura and how housing policy has changed over the years. They discuss the unique character of Ventura, current trends, and their effects on the quality of life for Ventura residents. Doug describes his vision for housing in Ventura and a path to make that vision a reality.

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In the third episode, host Rob Leatherwood and special guest Ventura Chamber of Commerce CEO Stephanie Caldwell discuss the challenges the housing crisis in Ventura County creates for the business community and broader Ventura County economy. They also dive into the deep end on water issues in the City of Ventura, growing the downtown district and the path forward for vibrant and sustainable economic growth.

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In the second episode, host Rob Leatherwood and special guest Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere discuss the recently proposed Ventura County affordable housing bond. They discuss the need for affordable housing in VC in addition to a more reliable source of funding. They also discuss regulatory and labor challenges in VC that further complicate developing housing projects as well as REALTORS® role in the community and the larger housing conversation.

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In the inaugural episode of the Legislative Lens Podcast, host Rob Leatherwood and special guest Sanjay Wagle, Senior VP of Government Affairs at the California Association of REALTORS®, discuss critical legislative topics that directly impact California's housing market. They delve into issues such as Proposition One addressing mental health and homelessness, the implications of the Costa-Hawkins Act on rent control, and the significance of ACA1, ACA5, and ACA13 in shaping local tax laws and marriage rights. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the key policies influencing the state's housing landscape, particularly those involved in the real estate industry or concerned about housing issues in California.

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