Who We Are

A Community Response to Protect Our Youth

Founded in 2016, One Community Action evolved as a community response to a rise in violent deaths in 2015 and 2016, many of which were youth. From its inception, One Community Action has been committed to social change from the roots — pushing leaders to go beyond surface-level interventions only addressing the symptoms of the problems with harmful stereotypes and stigma about those directly impacted by violence and inequity.

Download our report: OCA’s Origin Story

Download OCA's Origin Story

Our Mission

One Community Action is a culturally responsive organization dedicated to empowering our youth and community from the roots to the heart. As a racial justice organization, we are committed to collective action and trauma reduction.

Our Vision

Our vision is to empower and cultivate a vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute. , and all are supported by a commitment to equity and access.

Our Focus

Language Justice

Anti-discrimination

Educational Access/Equity

Juvenile Justice

Racial Justice

Arts and Cultural Healing

Restorative Justice

Community Healing

OCA’S TIMELINE

March 16, 2015

Alejandro Diaz Alvarez, age 39, Killed

May 16, 2015

Modesto Melendez Dominguez, age 25, Killed

July 28, 2015

Oscar Daniel Joaquin,  age 17, Killed

August 7, 2015

Juan Francisco Valez-Cortez, age 39, Killed

September 11, 2015

Robert Luna, age 17, Killed

September 17, 2015

A Call to Action: Pete Flores, Michael Fuentes plus 7 others

October 8, 2015

Formation of One Community Action Coalition. Concepts for the work of the Coalition.

October 30, 2015

Abraham Rojas-Najera, age 17 Killed

November 13, 2015

– First ‘open’ One Community Action Coalition Meeting. Introduction to Focus of our work and cultural competence lens, 3-level approach of Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression; POR VIDA Concept, ‘Roses in Concrete’ Video by Dr. Jeff Andrade.

November 20, 2015

Ulises Garcia-Mendez, age 17, Killed

December 4, 2015

Brayan Arturo Mejia-Molina, age 18, Killed

December 17, 2015

One Community Action Coalition December Meeting – guest speaker Dr. Jill Sharkey – presentation on her study of the Los Prietos Boys Camp Juveniles; first breakout groups.

December 26, 2015

Ramiro Ceja Gonzalez, age 42, Killed

December 26, 2015

Manual Manzano-Mata, age 26, Killed

January 12, 2016

Javier Murillo-Sanchez, age 23, Killed

January 12, 2016

Aaron Sanchez Hernandez, age 23, Killed

January 25, 2016

Agustin Jaime Montano-Barajas, age 29, Killed

January 25, 2016

Alexis Morales, age 25, Killed

January 28, 2016

One Community Action Coalition January Meeting – guest speaker Mr. Richard Ramos, ‘Parents on a Mission’, Operation Ceasefire Video, Action Planning Share-out.

February 18, 2016

One Community Action Coalition February Meeting at Grace Baptist Church. Breakout sessions according to components.

March 23, 2016

One Community Action Coalition March Meeting at Foursquare Church. Community Building, Los Compadres and agencies presentation; SMBD education presentation.

April 27, 2016

One Community Action Coalition April Meeting at Minami Center. Healing Ceremony and One
Community Action Coalition Video presentation, Community Building, Education, and Resources focus areas, Soccer Community.

April 30, 2016

One Community Action Coalition presents at Just Communities Talking in Class Kick-off.

May 9-10, 2016

– One Community Action Coalition team attends L.A. Gang Conference with South County Task Force on Youth Safety.

May 23, 2016

Jerry Tello “Cultura Cura” presentation at SMJUHSD Office. Attended by approximately 80 stakeholders.

June 15, 2016

Supervisor Steve Lavagnino proposes to Santa Barbara County Supervisors to allocate funds towards the community of Santa Maria in the amount of $75,000. Pete Flores skypes in to Santa Barbara County Supervisor meeting.