In 1842, Alvarado was Suplente (Substitute Justice of the Peace) of San Diego.
[1] During the Mexican–American War, Alvarado fought in the Battle of San Pasqual in early December 1846.
After the battle, Alvarado was one of 11 men captured by an Indian band in the home of José Antonio Serrano, owner of Rancho Pauma.
They were taken to an Indian ranchería at Rancho San José del Valle, and were killed in what was known as the Pauma Massacre.
[2] Alvarado's widow, Lugarda, later married Jesús Machado, who owned Rancho Buena Vista.