Community Healing & Violence Prevention

Founded in 2016 to advance community-centered solutions that address systemic inequities at the root of the violence and despair, One Community Action is dedicated to the future and vibrancy of the Santa Maria Valley community through Community Healing & Violence Prevention. Domestic violence, gang violence, all forms of violence. We prioritize:

VICTIMS - Grief & Healing Support, Equity & Access to Resources
NARRATIVE - Remembering Victims, Systems Lens, Story of Community Action
VIOLENCE PREVENTION - Systemic Solutions, Community Building & Engagement, Youth Development

MS13 Trial - Supporting Victims & Families

In 2016, after a heartbreaking spike in violence, alleged MS-13 gang members were indicted for the murders of ten young men, and attempted murder of fourteen others. Due to limited space in the courtroom and the inability of CA State or Santa Barbara County to remedy the situation, the case was split into two trials. Due to COVID, trial was postponed for over a year. Trial 1 started in June 2021 in Santa Maria and is expected to conclude by June 2022. Due to limited space available, Trial 2 was moved out of the community to Santa Barbara, where it began in September 2021 and is expected to conclude by October 1, 2022. 

One Community Action is here to remember the victims and support the families through this difficult time. One of the young men killed, Oscar Joaquin, is the son of OCA Executive Director Rebekah Spicuglia, and many of us personally knew victims or were impacted by the violence that continues today. We will be holding healing circles and hope that you will join us. For more information, email Rebekah@onecommunityaction.org.

R.I.P.
Augustin Jaime Montano-Barajas, 29 -- RIP 1/25/16, Elizabeth Street.
Donaciano Morales Suarez (Alexis Morales), 25 -- RIP 1/25/16, Elizabeth Street.
Javier Murillo-Sanchez, 23 -- RIP 1/12/16, Oakley and Church Streets.
Aaron Hernandez Sanchez, 23 -- RIP 1/12/16, Oakley and Church Streets.
Brayan Mejia Molina, 18 -- RIP 12/4/15, Sonya Lane.
Ulises Garcia-Mendez, 17 -- RIP 11/20/15, Thornburg Street.
Abrahan Rojas-Najera, 21 -- RIP 10/30/15, Smith Street.
Oscar Joaquin, 17 -- RIP 7/28/15, Barrett and Western Streets.
Modesto Melendez, 25 -- RIP 5/16/15, Williams Street.
Michel Raygoza Hernandez, 24 -- RIP 1/8/13, Mill and Cypress Streets.