Background
In 2015 and early 2016, our community experienced a significant increase in the number of deaths, many of which were youth. The increase in violence and deaths were primarily due to gang violence. Pete Flores, Director of Student Services, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, reached out to Michael Fuentes, Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Counselor and Program Manager to ask for his help in bringing together members of the community and start a dialogue about causes for the increase in violence. The goal was to address ongoing gang violence that included teens and young adults and look for solutions.
The first meeting consisted of approximately nine community members from Santa Maria and Guadalupe, who through personal experience understood the culture of our community, the culture of the local gangs, and why our youth were choosing to became involved or affiliated with the gang lifestyle. The group sought to bring together individuals who wanted to make a difference and help youth while accepting the reality of what our and their families were experiencing as part of our community. The meeting and input would prove to be invaluable in setting the foundation for One Community Action.
The first meeting consisted of approximately nine community members from Santa Maria and Guadalupe, who through personal experience understood the culture of our community, the culture of the local gangs, and why our youth were choosing to became involved or affiliated with the gang lifestyle. The group sought to bring together individuals who wanted to make a difference and help youth while accepting the reality of what our and their families were experiencing as part of our community. The meeting and input would prove to be invaluable in setting the foundation for One Community Action.