Vato I

As seventeen-year-old Mario enters a crucial stage in his young life, he is faced with some tough decisions and situations. Because of his physical attributes, Mario is destined to become the leader of his large barrio gang. Not at all thrilled with his future, Mario wants to escape the dilemma, but doesn't know where to begin.

After participating in a rumble the night before, Mario sits in jail, wishing he had made different choices. Abe is the young and energetic probation officer assigned to Mario's case. He knows that Mario possesses the potential to achieve many worthwhile milestones in his life and wants to convince the young man to seek a higher path by claiming responsibility for his actions. But how?

Mr. Tomas Mendoza is an effective barrio high school principal who sees his past reflected in both Abe and Mario. He wants both of them to succeed, but he's unsure how to reach them.

As if by magic, Mario's beloved grandmother, Ursula, arrives from her farm to live with Mario and his mother during Mario's crisis. Can she help her grandson find a way to solve his problems? Will Abe and Mr. Mendoza be able to help?