DEPUTY SANTA'S ON DUTY SPIRITS GROW BRIGHT WITH HOLIDAY VISITS.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

NEWHALL - Children in Newhall typically call Joe Trejo ``Deputy Joe,'' but every year around the holidays they also unknowingly call him Santa.

As the 19-year veteran deputy takes off his sheriff's uniform, he slips on another - a red and white suit that comes complete with a beard and wig, white paint for his eyebrows, a hat and a little stuffing.

``It's not traditional law enforcement,'' Trejo said. ``It's a different way to serve the community.''

The deputy, who generally is a jolly type, inherited the role of Santa five years ago after veteran sheriff's Sgt. Robert Warford died. Warford played Santa throughout the Santa Clarita Valley for many years along with his wife who often accompanied him as Mrs. Claus.

He died in 1996 after suffering from a heart attack.

``I'm carrying on a tradition,'' said Trejo, who had filled in for him once and was later asked to take over the role. ``He was a good Santa.''

Serving as the official Santa for the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station, the 41-year-old Valencia resident plays St. Nicholas for local organizations that request him in return for donations to the station's toy drive.

He also serves as the guest of honor at community holiday parties, assists the local sheriff's station in its Christmas deliveries to the needy and at youth parties sponsored by the Sheriff's Department.

``He goes the extra mile for the community,'' said Deputy Donna Elliott, a community relations deputy who organizes the toy drive. ``He's a great Santa.''

During the holiday season, Trejo often only wears the red suit about five times, allowing kids to sit on his lap, give him a hug, and most of all share with him their wish list.

``I'm just out there to spread good cheer,'' Trejo said. ``It's all in good fun.''

When he's not in the red and white, Trejo serves as the community deputy and works out of the Sheriff's Department's Newhall substation.

Deputies at the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station call Trejo a perfect Santa and say he is always willing to help.

``He's the perfect guy,'' said Lt. Larry Gump. ``He's jolly even when he doesn't have to be, and he's great with kids.''

While his job often brings joy, there are times he finds it difficult to be jolly.

The hardest moments come during trips to the Children's Hospital were he and other members of the Sheriff's Department visit sick children.

``It's one of the few times it's hard to be jolly,'' Trejo said. ``You feel bad for all the kids.

``You try and comfort the families, make them smile'' he said. ``Afterward, you walk away feeling good at least for a little while.''

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Santa, actually Deputy Joe Trejo, brings a smile to the face of a child during a visit to the Valencia Town Center as part of his official holiday duties.

(2 -- color) Shy, and not-so-shy kids share their holiday wishes with Santa, alias Deputy Joe Trejo.

(3) Santa handles the lap work while his helper, Deputy Donna Elliott hands out the candy canes and stickers to good little girls and boys at Valencia Town Center.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer