A series of three Los Angeles Times articles by Fred Alvarez on what young people from Ventura County's barrios and other poor neighborhoods face and what some people are doing to help.

First article, Sunday, February 18, 2001: "Standing Apart"

Second article, Monday, February 19, 2001: "Three Who Made It Haven't Forgotten"

Third article, Tuesday, February 20, 2001: "Barrio Crusaders Come Home For Good"