5 Shocking Truths About Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Inc. And The Battle For Contract Reinstatement
Founded on a profound commitment to peace and cultural healing, Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Inc. stands as a pivotal force in the Central Coast’s social justice landscape, yet as of late 2025, the organization finds itself at the center of a heated local controversy that threatens its long-standing work with vulnerable youth. This article delves into the organization's powerful, decades-long history of violence prevention and community empowerment, while uncovering the very latest developments surrounding the critical push for contract reinstatement with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD), a battle that has galvanized parents, teachers, and activists across Santa Cruz County.
Operating for over 37 years, Barrios Unidos has transcended its origins as a local anti-gang initiative to become a national model for addressing systemic inequities through a unique blend of civic leadership, economic equity, and culturally-relevant healing practices. The organization’s work, which includes everything from college-level courses in correctional facilities to on-campus youth programs, is a testament to the transformative power of community-based intervention, making the recent termination of its school district contract a matter of urgent public concern.
The Luminary: Biography of Founder Daniel "Nane" Alejandrez
The foundation of Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Inc. is inextricably linked to the extraordinary life and vision of its founder, Daniel "Nane" Alejandrez, a figure widely recognized as a luminary in post-1960s peace circles. His biography is a compelling narrative of personal transformation that fueled a lifelong commitment to social justice and nonviolence.
- Full Name: Daniel "Nane" Alejandrez
- Role: President and Founder of Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Inc.
- Military Service: Alejandrez is a decorated Vietnam veteran.
- Personal Struggle: Upon returning from Vietnam, he faced a new, personal battle with heroin addiction on the streets, a struggle that gives him unique insight into the challenges of community trauma and reentry.
- Educational Background: He found hope and a new path at UC Santa Cruz (UCSC), where he majored in Community Studies. The concept of Barrios Unidos was initially conceived in his UCSC apartment.
- Activism and Leadership: "Nane" Alejandrez is a Santa Cruz-based leader unafraid to challenge norms surrounding poverty and violence. His work has established him as a key figure in the Latino narrative, influencing policy reform.
- Policy Impact: Under his leadership, Barrios Unidos has been instrumental in reforming detention centers for youth and adults, as well as influencing federal policies related to incarceration and community-based healing.
Alejandrez’s journey from a perpetrator of violence to an advocate for peace, rooted in his own experience of cultural healing, provides the moral and philosophical backbone for every program Barrios Unidos offers.
The Pillars of Impact: Core Programs and Cultural Healing
The mission of Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos is to promote multicultural social justice, nonviolence, and economic equity. This is achieved through a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes cultural healing and civic leadership development. The organization’s programs are structured around four main pillars, creating a comprehensive support system for at-risk youth and their families in Santa Cruz County and beyond.
1. Culture, Spirituality & Healing
This pillar is the heart of the Barrios Unidos methodology, recognizing that violence is often a symptom of deep-seated historical and personal trauma. The programs emphasize the importance of traditional cultural practices and spirituality as tools for recovery and empowerment. By fostering a sense of identity and belonging, Barrios Unidos helps individuals address trauma and break cycles of violence.
2. Civic Leadership & Racial Equity
Barrios Unidos is dedicated to empowering community members, particularly youth, to become active agents of change. The Civic Leadership & Racial Equity pillar focuses on giving participants the tools to challenge systemic inequities and advocate for social justice. This includes political education, community organizing, and developing leadership skills to shape the future of their communities.
A notable example of this work is their groundbreaking initiative in correctional facilities. Barrios Unidos facilitates college-level coursework, accredited by UC institutions, in facilities like CTF Soledad. One of the core courses offered is Transcommunal Peacemaking, which teaches incarcerated individuals advanced concepts of conflict resolution and community building, positioning them as future leaders upon reentry.
3. Youth Leadership Development
Specifically targeting the next generation, the Youth Leadership Development program provides mentorship, educational support, and positive alternatives to gang involvement and criminal activity. The goal is to cultivate a new cohort of young leaders who champion nonviolence and community responsibility.
4. Health Equity & Wellbeing
Recognizing the link between health disparities and social injustice, this pillar addresses the overall wellbeing of the community. This includes advocacy on environmental issues, such as the recent protest by activist Omar Dieguez, who is associated with Barrios Unidos, against pesticide use near Watsonville, highlighting the organization's commitment to holistic community health.
The Current Crisis: The Fight for PVUSD Contract Reinstatement
The most immediate and pressing issue facing Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Inc. is the recent termination or non-renewal of its contract with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD), specifically impacting programs at Pajaro Valley High School. This decision has sparked intense community outcry and a unified push for reinstatement as of late 2025.
The contract allowed Barrios Unidos to provide essential on-campus services, including violence prevention, mentorship, and support for at-risk youth. The organization’s presence was seen by many parents and teachers as a crucial, non-law enforcement alternative for de-escalation and positive intervention.
The non-renewal has exposed a deep divide within the community and the school board. Advocates argue that cutting the contract removes a vital, culturally-competent resource that helps prevent students from entering the school-to-prison pipeline. They point out that without Barrios Unidos, students facing behavioral challenges are more likely to be subjected to School Resource Officer (SRO) citations, which can register on a student's criminal record.
During heated school board meetings, parents and community members have passionately urged the PVUSD Board of Trustees to renew the contract, emphasizing that community partners like Barrios Unidos are indispensable for the health and safety of the students. The ongoing debate highlights the critical role the organization plays in providing services that complement, rather than replace, traditional educational and disciplinary structures.
A Legacy of Nonviolence and Systemic Change
The controversy in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District underscores a larger truth: Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Inc. is not merely a service provider; it is a movement. Its decades-long history is marked by a consistent effort to address the root causes of violence, not just the symptoms. The organization’s commitment to economic equity and multicultural social justice ensures its programs are deeply relevant to the diverse populations it serves.
From its origins in a UCSC apartment to its current role as a leader in national policy reform and community healing, Barrios Unidos continues to shape the narrative of what peace and justice look like in the 21st century. The fight to reinstate its school contracts is more than a budgetary issue—it is a community’s declaration that cultural healing, nonviolence, and youth empowerment must remain central to its educational and social priorities.
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