From prison to redemption

Actor revisits Simi to praise police during chief’s luncheon



BUDDIES—SVPD Chief David Livingstone and actor Danny Trejo are all smiles during a recent Simi Valley Police Foundation luncheon event. MICHELE WILLER-ALLRED/Acorn Newspapers

BUDDIES—SVPD Chief David Livingstone and actor Danny Trejo are all smiles during a recent Simi Valley Police Foundation luncheon event. MICHELE WILLER-ALLRED/Acorn Newspapers

Danny Trejo, who has played menacing characters in movies like “Desperado” and “Machete,” recalled a time many years ago when he wasn’t welcome in Simi Valley due to his long criminal history.

“In 1962, me and some undesirables actually got escorted out of Simi Valley. We thought, ‘Hey look, we’re getting a police escort,’” recalled Trejo with a laugh.

Back then, Trejo was well known by police, having been in and out of the California prison system for drug dealing, robbery and other offenses. Today, he’s still on the radar of local cops—only now he’s earned their respect for turning his life around and becoming an in-demand actor on the big and small screens.

The Hollywood tough guy, 77, only had words of praise for law enforcement Jan. 12 when he was a special guest at the sold-out Simi Valley Police Foundation’s Luncheon with the Chief event.

“I’m so honored just to be in you guys’ presence. This is awesome and you guys are awesome,” Trejo said.

Simi Valley Police Foundation Board President Fred Thomas introduced Trejo, who was invited to speak because of his inspirational story of redemption and his tumultuous journey from convict to actor, author and restaurateur.

Trejo’s run-ins with the law started early. Growing up in an abusive and unpredictable family environment in Pacoima, he started taking and dealing drugs as a child. He was arrested for the first time at age 10.

In 1966, when Trejo was in his early 20s, he found himself in solitary confinement and facing capital charges for violent felonies at San Quentin State Prison. He eventually found faith and overcame his drug addictions before his release in 1968.

“I’ve been trying to pay my debt to society ever since,” Trejo said. “And I honestly believe that is the only way—trusting in God, and doing whatever I can for my fellow man.”

“Everything good that has happened to me has happened as a direct result of helping someone else,” he said.

Trejo went back to school, got his high school diploma and became a substance abuse counselor.

He started acting, too, landing jobs as a film extra. Over the years, his parts just kept getting bigger and bigger.

In addition to his busy acting career, Trejo operates two restaurant chains in Los Angeles: Trejo’s Tacos and Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts.

In 2021, he published his memoir. “Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption and Hollywood” debuted at No. 4 on The New York Times nonfiction best sellers list.

At last week’s luncheon, Trejo paid tribute to law enforcement.

“I think you guys have the hardest job in the world. The people that need you, love you. Those that don’t, hate you. You have to walk a thin line, even for the guys that don’t like you,” Trejo said.

“And, I’m telling you right now, if you ever need me for any reason, call me. I live in the San Fernando Valley. I’d be so honored,” Trejo told the audience comprising about 70 foundation supporters, as well as SVPD Chief David Livingstone, Dep. Chief Steve Shorts and Cmdr. Thomas Meyer. The event was held at Sutter’s Mill Restaurant.

Livingstone said Trejo’s words were nice to hear.

“When people take the time to come and thank you and recognize the work that you’re doing, that means a lot to our officers,” Livingstone. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve gone through some tough times.”

Livingstone said the community in general has shown appreciation for the police, often surprising officers with baked goods or lunch.

“It’s small gestures that really go a long way,” said Livingstone, thanking the community.

Livingstone said he’s proud to be part of SVPD and proud of the officers who work in the department.

“They’re at risk at all times. They go out there day in and day out. They show up. They run into the trouble instead of away from the trouble,” the chief said.

Livingstone also gave some good news about Simi Valley: the crime rate is down 10 percent from last year.

“That being said, I always say that I don’t want to ever sit back and say, ‘Well, everything’s great,’ ” Livingstone said. “It’s good to have those numbers, but we have to keep finding ways of engaging with our community and doing a better job and try to figure out what it is that’s coming up.”

“Criminals always find ways around things. They find ways to do even better. We’ve got to stay on top of it,” he said.