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Si Dang just completed his first full year as KidCAT Chairman. He turns 44 on Jan. 17 and approaches his 25th year of incarceration for first- degree murder and attempted murder.

Dang sat down with SQ News for a Q&A about himself and his vision of KidCAT.

Q: So many people ask— what’s KidCAT really all about?

A: Inspiring humanity. We use those words a lot lately, but just think about what that truly means. It’s about service— giving back and connecting with our community.

We’re always here to support our youth and youth of- fenders—to encourage, inspire and remind them that people really care about them.

Q: What’s the most valu- able lesson you’ve learned over the last year?

A: Always have an open mind. Working with our members, I’ve learned to listen more and take advice. Being able to communicate and work to get her as a team to get things done—that’s what counts.

I’m amazed by the ongoing support from all our partnerships—The Beat Within, Huckleberry House, Project Avary. Their dedication and commitment inspires all of us.

Also, I want to send my deepest thanks to our incred- ible volunteers and all our members for their hard work.

Q: What’s the biggest les- son you’ve learned through- out your entire incarcera- tion?

A: The value and strength of family. I’m so fortunate that my family’s always been there for me through thick and thin—my mom, sisters and brothers.

That’s why I emphasize and foster that same sense of fam- ily in KidCAT. All of us ben- efit when we support and take care of each other.

Q: What’s the most im- portant thing young lifers need to know as they do their time?

A: They need to understand that it’s okay to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out and admit your vulnerabili- ties. The strongest people are those who understand they’re not alone.

Q: If you could visit and speak to kids in juvenile halls,whatwouldyousayto them?

A: There are many people who care and love you. Don’t ever give up hope. Stay strong, believe in yourself and go to school—don’t turn your back on education.

Q: What can you say to all the folks who’ve requested KidCAT’s First Step curriculum and are looking for guidance?

A: First of all, I want to sincerely apologize for the long delay. I know how committed so many youths around the system are about trying to learn our curriculum.

My biggest vision for 2020—we will get First Step out and into the hands of all those who asked.

Q: What’s your biggest hope for 2020?

A: Reaching out to more supporters and advocates in law enforcement, the judicial system, and higher education—and continue to raise awareness of youth issues.

Q: What can you tell our readers about the impact of newly signed legislation?

A: Especially with Senate Bill 965 and the po- tential to earn credit off of their

minimum parole eligibility date, that’s going to bring a lot of hope to youth offenders.

I think of all the possibilities and potential to not just gain freedom—but to gain a sense

of hope and to motivate and encourage the youth to better themselves.

Q: Who’s one celebrity you’d love to invite to a KidCAT meeting?

A: That’s gotta be Gov. Gavin Newsom. He’s such a strong leader, and I totally respect that. He stays with integrity, compassion and heart.

Q: What’s one thing you’d say to Governor Newsom?

A: As a youth offender—we can change and become better people. We have the ability to heal within ourselves within the community.

Q: Why is a second chance so important?

A: Nobody’s perfect. People can change. To give them a chance to do something better—why not give that?

Instead of always locking them up and throwing away the key, give them that chance to grow and give something back to society.

Q: Why do you believe you deserve a second chance?

A: Honestly, I don’t think I do. Andy Tran, the innocent person I killed—he didn’t get a second chance. I’m just grateful to serve others and continue do- ing what I do.

Andy Tran and Sen Dang (no relation), they were both in- nocent victims. I always try to honor them, their families and the community of Stockton for all the harm I caused.

Q: Who’s made the biggest lasting impression on your life?

A: My mom, Thu Pham. From day one, she never gave up on me and was there when I was at my most vulnerable. She’s my true hero—the stron- gest person I know.

Any final thoughts for all of KidCAT’s returned citizens out there?

Thank you for continuing to represent KidCAT in the best possible way—even after you got out.

All you guys continue to advocate for the youth, and we love you.

Jonathan Rivas came to San Quentin, vowing to turn often participate in a coordinated “removal”— where a racial brand of prison politics. That means that those who willfully choose to remain housed among SNY inmates at a non-designated facility are putting their reputation in permanent jeopardy.

“I know there’s gonna be consequences. I’m not scared,” said Rivas. “What I’m scared about is not mak- ing it home—scared of losing my family, my daughter.”

Even at SQ, general popu- lation prisoners housed tem- porarily in the reception center here will sometimes ignore their custody escorts to “take off” or attack the in- mates they perceive to be “no good.”

“I still remember being on the bus on the way here. All of us were worried,” said Ri- vas. “When we first got to R & R (the prison’s Receiving and Release department), we all wanted to know, ‘Are they ‘removing’ guys on the yard here?’

“But the Black guy that worked R & R told us, ‘Nah, that’s not what it is. It’s not like that here—it’s about be- ing yourself now.’”

Once Rivas heard that, and heard about all the self- help programs, rehabilitative

come a positive father figure for his 3-year-old daughter.

targeted prisoner is attacked by multiple assailants. That dynamic forces the target to

“It hits me hard, when I
see things like Disneyland be classified as a “victim”,

commercials, families with Mickey Mouse,” said Ri- vas. “I envision myself there someday being able to buy her souvenirs.”

and hence removed from the facility or, at least, that yard.

“When something needs to be done—you have no choice,” said Rivas about that lifestyle. “It’s stupid, ‘cause they’re trying to brainwash us and make us think like it’s the thing to do.

Although
himself as
cure, his voluntary transfer to
SQ, a recently-made “nondes-
ignated” prison, demonstrates
the young man’s underly- streets changes when you

he describes somewhat inse-

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Jonathan Rivas in white on the fútbol field

Photo by Javier Jimenez, SQN Rivas giving a speech at the Avary Walk

ing strength and courage in starting to make his own life choices.

“I spent six months in the
hole for a stabbing—you 2018. That means that SNY know, a ‘removal’—but it (Sensitive Needs Yard) pris-

turned out it was a bad call,” the 22-year-old Rivas ex- plained. “I came here because I didn’t want to do that stuff anymore.”

Throughout the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR),

al population” (GP) prisoners largely must base their iden- By Joe Garcia tity on whatever reputation

Journalism Guild Chairperson they earn in prison.
To further such a reputa-

Jonathan Rivas came to tion, prisoners like Rivas San Quentin, vowing to turn often participate in a coordi- his life around and try to be- nated “removal”— where a

racial brand of prison politics. That means that those who willfully choose to remain housed among SNY inmates at a non-designated facility are putting their reputation in permanent jeopardy.

“I know there’s gonna be consequences. I’m not scared,” said Rivas. “What I’m scared about is not mak- ing it home—scared of losing my family, my daughter.”

Even at SQ, general popu- lation prisoners housed tem- porarily in the reception center here will sometimes ignore their custody escorts to “take off” or attack the in- mates they perceive to be “no good.”

“I still remember being on the bus on the way here. All of us were worried,” said Ri- vas. “When we first got to R & R (the prison’s Receiving and Release department), we all wanted to know, ‘Are they ‘removing’ guys on the yard here?’

“But the Black guy that worked R & R told us, ‘Nah, that’s not what it is. It’s not like that here—it’s about be- ing yourself now.’”

Once Rivas heard that, and heard about all the self- help programs, rehabilitative

come a positive father figure for his 3-year-old daughter.

targeted prisoner is attacked by multiple assailants. That dynamic forces the target to

“It hits me hard, when I
see things like Disneyland be classified as a “victim”,

commercials, families with Mickey Mouse,” said Ri- vas. “I envision myself there someday being able to buy her souvenirs.”

and hence removed from the facility or, at least, that yard.

“When something needs to be done—you have no choice,” said Rivas about that lifestyle. “It’s stupid, ‘cause they’re trying to brainwash us and make us think like it’s the thing to do.

Although
himself as
cure, his voluntary transfer to
SQ, a recently-made “nondes-
ignated” prison, demonstrates
the young man’s underly- streets changes when you

he describes somewhat inseing strength and courage in starting to make his own life choices.

“I spent six months in the
hole for a stabbing—you 2018. That means that SNY know, a ‘removal’—but it (Sensitive Needs Yard) pris-

turned out it was a bad call,” the 22-year-old Rivas ex- plained. “I came here because I didn’t want to do that stuff anymore.”

Throughout the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR),

oners can be housed here— right alongside men who still consider themselves GP. SNY status has always been re- garded as an equivalent to be- ing in protective custody.

Certain Mexican and White prisoners adhere to their own

Dear KidCAT

My name is Jose Hernandez. I’m serving a 68-to-life sen- tence and have been incarcerated since the age of 16. I am now 25 years old and I want to reach out to all of you. I’ve currently been going back and forth to San Joaquin Juvenile Court, and I’ve had a chance to read the SQNews.

Most importantly, and what has inspired me to write this let- ter, are the articles, projects and KidCAT Speaks that has given me more hope—as well as drawn my full interest for the last seven months.

“Gangbanging on the

groups and college courses SQ offers, he said he knew it was time to check it out for himself.

“I want this place right here to be a ground where I can change and grow,” he said. “Being able to find myself now—what I really love to do and having the free will to do it—I realize that’s what being a real man is.

“San Quentin has taught me that success is not about winning. It’s all about learn- ing and improving.”

Rivas deals with the nega- tive consequences whenever he calls home. “My three old- er brothers, they’re in prison on the mainline right now,” he said. “My family tells me that they basically hate me—that they’re disappointed, that they never expected this from me.

“Even the sister of my daughter’s mother tells me, ‘You’re totally devalued. They all just degrade you like you’re nobody anymore.’

“At first, that really made me feel like they were right. It made me feel less than.”

Rivas recently became the newest member of Kid- CAT, unanimously voted in. He continues to impress the youth offender support com- munity with his commitment to self-improvement and be- ing of service to others.

Nou Phang Thou, Kid- CAT’s last founding member to remain incarcerated, has mentored many youth offend- ers during his years at SQ. He noticed Rivas’ openness to change right away.

“One beautiful thing about Jonathan, he has great intu- ition to recognize his own weaknesses,” said Thou. “And then he has the commitment to seek out the help he needs and address those weakness- es—so he can become a better man.”

“I don’t have to be a follow- er, but today I can try and be a leader to the youth that are still lost,” said Rivas. “I just wonder how many of them out there on the mainline will lis- ten to me?”

Even with SQ’s non-des- ignated status and overall progressive culture, many prisoners here still hold on to some degree of their old GP mentality. That dynamic con- tinues to shift slowly.

“Some of them changed their perspective of us,” said Rivas. “They think all SNYs are here for snitching, for be- ing child molesters—stuff like that. But it’s not until they listen to our stories, to my story, that they realize these dudes here have been through some stuff, seen stuff.”

Rivas said he grew up in foster care after his mother abandoned him when he was six and his little brother was four. “I used that as an excuse for me to act out in life. I grew up in juvenile hall.”

“That’s what I did—fight- ing, running away from group homes,” he continued. “Finally, I joined a gang at 14.”

Soon after that, Rivas fought with another youth at his foster facility, got convict- ed for the assault and battery, and would then spend almost four years in juvenile custody.

“I was released 16 days be- fore my 18th birthday,” he re- called. “And I went right back to the streets.”

It wasn’t long before Rivas was arrested again—this time for carjacking, along with gun charges and other crimes.

“I ended up taking a deal for ten years at 85%,” he said. “Right now, I’m set to go home at the end of 2023.”

At SQ, Rivas now facili- tates the Power Source cur- riculum, after being part of

its first graduating class. He credits the nationally rec- ognized self-empowerment program with helping him un- derstand himself and his past mistakes.

“I used to be selfish and never cared about what my family thinks,” he explained. “I never cared if they were happy.

“My dad tried to still be around for me and my little brother. He tried to get us back, but his drinking prob- lem stopped him a lot.”

He spends his weekdays apprenticing as a carpenter in vocational training—a prison job that will give him viable employment opportunities upon reentry. On the week- ends, Rivas looks forward to competing in soccer for his newfound community—often

against outside guest teams through SQ’s organized sports league.

In June, Rivas gave an im- passioned speech at the Project Avary Walk, an event geared toward raising funds that pay summer camp fees for kids of incarcerated parents. Rivas spoke about his daughter, the painful separation his incar- ceration caused—and his mis- sion to make it back to her.

In addition to vocational classes, Rivas struggles his way through the Prison University Project’s college prep courses—non-credited classes he must pass before pursuing an Associated Arts degree.

“Whenever I feel like quit- ting class and giving up, I think about my daughter and someday being able to help her with her studies,” he said. “That always motivates me to keep going.

“You know, at San Quentin, if you’re not taking college courses or participating in groups—you’re just not cool.”