Arnold Ruiz was once the quintessential gang member, complete with shaved head, tattoos, and no fewer than 13 felonies on his rap sheet.
Released in January after spending almost half of his 38 years in and out of state prison for drug offenses, he is now determined to turn his life around.
"I'm doing whatever it takes to reinvent myself," Ruiz said, noting he has been sober for two years and has removed most of the gang insignia from his face and neck.
"I'm trying to do good but I'm nervous," he added. "I've been a failure all my life, and I'm scared of success."
It has been a rough road for counties building new programs, and there have been missteps, and successes. From the Long Beach Post-Telegram.
