Danny Trejo

By Carlos Lopez:

Danny Trejo is a Los Angeles native and man whose life story is as captivating as the characters he portrays on screen. From a troubled past to becoming a Hollywood legend, Trejo's journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of second chances. Trejo has had an influential impact on the entertainment and food industry, starring in dozens of major films and opening up his own restaurant, Trejos Tacos, which is located on La Brea Avenue.

In Echo Park, in 1944, on Temple Street, Danny Trejo was born to Mexican-American parents. His early childhood took a rocky path when he started using hard drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin at only the age of 8 and even started dealing drugs. Growing up in this harsh environment, at 10 years old, he was arrested and was later incarcerated in 1956 at the Eastlake Juvenile Hall.

By the time he was a teenager, Trejo had spent the majority of his life in prisons for intermittent periods. However, it was one incident that might've turned Trejo's life completely around. On Cinco de Mayo, Trejo was involved in a riot at Soledad Prison. Trejo was sent to solitary confinement, where he faced capital charges and possibly the death penalty. Through his time in solitary confinement, he had the opportunity for deep self-reflection. Trejo found faith and became a member of a 12-step program that helped him recover and become sober.

Having escaped the death penalty and released from a 10-year sentence after only five years, Trejo had the chance to turn his life around. Little did he know, he would go on to become a significant influence on Los Angeles culture.

Danny Trejo's breakthrough in the entertainment industry came when he was discovered by filmmaker Andrei Konchalovsky, who cast him in the film "Runaway Train" (1985). This film started his prolific career in Hollywood, and he quickly became a sought-after character actor. No matter what type of character he was playing, Trejo's performances deeply resonated with audiences and filmmakers. He regularly worked with directors like Robert Rodriguez, starring in films like "Desperado" (1995), "From Dusk Till Dawn" (1996), and the "Machete" series.

In addition to his success as an actor, Danny Trejo has ventured into other fields. He owns and operates Trejo's Tacos, a successful chain of restaurants in Los Angeles, and wrote a memoir titled "Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood." Trejo's life story inspires others that it's never too late to change and pursue your wildest dreams.

Drawing from his own personal challenges, Danny Trejo is actively involved in philanthropy and collaborating with organizations that focus on addiction recovery, especially with the youth. He makes appearances at prisons and schools, sharing his story as a symbol of hope and recovery for those facing challenges similar to those he overcame.

Coming from a troubled past to becoming a Hollywood icon, Danny Trejo is a testament to the transformative power of second chances. Through his performances and impact on Los Angeles culture, Trejo has left a positive mark on the entertainment industry and beyond. His life story reminds us that perseverance and the willingness to change can lead to extraordinary outcomes in our lives, making Danny Trejo not just a talented actor but a true inspiration.

Spicy Tuna Onigiri

By Amy Yang:

Rice is a staple food that everyone loves and can be used in various ways. Onigiri is a popular dish in Japan, and these tasty little rice balls can be filled with salmon, tuna, or pickled ume. Here's a recipe for spicy tuna onigiri that is most definitely addicting.

Ingredients

- 1 cup of sushi rice

- Cold water

- 1 can of albacore tuna

- 1 1/2 tablespoon of mayo

- 1 teaspoon of sriracha hot sauce

- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar

- Sesame seeds (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Wash off your sushi rice by rinsing it off in a bowl and drain it until the water runs clear. Afterwards, let your rinsed rice soak in a bowl of water for 30 minutes.

2. For 1 cup of rice, you will need 2 cups of water when boiling your rice. Bring the water to a boil, then lower it and let the rice cook with a lid on for 15 minutes. When all the water has been absorbed, turn the heat off and let the rice stand for 10 minutes.

3. Now let's start making the tuna filling. In a bowl, combine your tuna, mayo, sriracha, and rice vinegar.

4. Now that your sushi rice is cool enough and you have your onigiri filling, it's time to assemble the onigiri. Have a bowl of water nearby to dip your hands in so that your rice will not stick to your hands.

5. Dip your hands in the bowl of water and take a handful of rice and place a dollop of your tuna filling inside and start to form a triangle. Create the top of the triangle with your fingertips and cup the bottom with your palm. Start to close the rice ball and make sure not to press too hard.

6. Roll your onigiri in sesame seeds if desired and enjoy!

Chavez Ravine

By Carlos Lopez:

When you find yourself sitting at Dodger Stadium, enthusiastically cheering on your favorite player, it is important to reflect upon the homes and livelihoods that once thrived in this very location. The seat you currently occupy might have once been someone's cherished backyard or bustling kitchen, which were tragically bulldozed to accommodate sports. Dodger Stadium, previously known as Chavez Ravine, has a dark history that significantly impacted numerous lives.

Chavez Ravine consisted of three vibrant Mexican-American neighborhoods: Palo Verde, La Loma, and Bishop. This area was home to 1,100 families and represented a crucial site of homeownership due to redlining. In Los Angeles, many property deeds were burdened with covenants that prohibited the sale of land to non-white individuals.

For Mexican-Americans, owning a home was an important step towards achieving the American Dream. However, in the 1940s, following the Great Depression, a housing shortage arose due to population growth. The public demanded the government's intervention in providing public housing. As part of the "urban renewal" movement, specific neighborhoods with private property were labeled as "slums" and slated for clearance to make way for public housing. Chavez Ravine fell victim to this process, as the city utilized its eminent domain power to force residents to sell their homes in July 1950. The plan was to transform Chavez Ravine into "Elysian Park Heights," featuring multistory buildings, townhouses, and shops.

Nevertheless, a group in Los Angeles opposed the construction of public housing. Private real estate organizations, such as the Citizens Against Socialist Housing, equated public housing with un-American ideals and communism. Their efforts successfully swayed public opinion, and Norris Poulson, a congressman running for mayor, capitalized on anti-public housing sentiments during his campaign. Poulson emerged victorious in the mayoral race and promptly canceled the plans for Elysian Park Heights.

The Dodgers, originally a Brooklyn-based team, sought a new location in the 1950s due to the limited expansion opportunities in their dense surroundings. Los Angeles offered Chavez Ravine as their new stadium site since it had already been cleared and deemed vacant. On May 8th, 1959, all remaining residents of Chavez Ravine were forced to leave. Some were unwillingly carried out of their homes, while others exhibited more violent resistance. Three years later, in 1962, the newly constructed Dodger Stadium opened its doors to guests and baseball games.

The history of loss that unfolded within Chavez Ravine should not be dismissed or forgotten. Even today, with the construction of the $5 billion SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, attention must be given to the seizing of predominantly black neighborhoods that are transformed into public spaces. It is imperative that we acknowledge and address these issues, working towards preventing further displacement and protecting marginalized communities.