Passing SB-1391

About this episode

Michael Mendoza shares his journey from being sentenced for a gang-related murder to becoming a leading advocate for juvenile justice reform.

In this episode, our host Kalista Lin sits down with Michael Mendoza. At just 15 years old, Michael was sentenced to 15-to-life for his involvement in a gang-related murder. Since his parole in 2014, Michael has dedicated his life to transforming the justice system that once confined him. From advocating for SB 261 and AB 1308 to expanding Youth Offender Parole, to leading the charge for Yes on 17, restoring voting rights to over 50,000 Californians on parole, Michael’s impact is undeniable, helping pass SB 1391 and making California the first state to prohibit transferring 14- and 15-year-olds to adult court. Appointed by President Biden to the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Michael continues to champion second chances as a consultant on reentry and criminal justice reform. Join us as we explore his journey from incarceration to becoming one of the most influential voices in juvenile justice today.

People in this episode

Host: Kalista Lin

Guest: Michael Mendoza

Topics covered

• juvenile justice
• criminal justice reform
• second chances
• gang-related crime
• youth offender parole

Keywords

• juvenile justice
• SB 1391
• parole
• criminal justice
• advocacy
• reentry
• California
• voting rights

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: President Biden, California

More episodes of A Second Chance: Stories of Young Offenders

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• Challenging the Conviction · May 1, 2026 · 35 min
• The Roots of Response · April 28, 2026 · 31 min
• Redefining Reentry · April 13, 2026 · 28 min
• Healing Through Sound · March 11, 2026 · 29 min
• The Power of Alternatives · January 2, 2026 · 35 min