ALARCON ASKS FOR CURFEWS AT PARK; PACOIMA RESIDENTS SUPPORT INJUNCTION.

Byline: Sherry Joe Crosby Daily News Staff Writer

Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon is taking steps to obtain a court injunction against gang members believed to have been involved in the shooting death of high school football player Jaret Harris.

In a letter to City Attorney James Hahn, the councilman asks him to ``explore the possibility'' of a gang injunction in Hubert Humphrey Recreation Center in Pacoima, where 18-year-old Harris was shot Aug. 17 while riding a motorcycle.

``Law-abiding families stay within the confines of their homes and are fearful of the gang violence in the neighborhoods,'' Alarcon wrote in the Aug. 28 letter.

Meanwhile, on Saturday about 65 people seeking a solution to the gang problem rallied in Humphrey Park.

Member churches of the San Fernando Ministers Alliance assembled at Calvary Baptist Church of Pacoima at 9 and 11 a.m. and then marched to the park, singing songs, reading Scriptures and giving talks of encouragement.

The injunction sought by Alarcon could prohibit gang members from congregating in public and places them under strict curfews, among other restrictions.

On Friday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Beverly issued a preliminary injunction against 50 members of the 18th Street Gang, one of Los Angeles most notorious and violent street gangs.

In addition to seeking an injunction in Pacoima, Alarcon also has requested an injunction against gang members in North Hills. The city attorney still is considering that request.

The councilman said he was seeking the Pacoima park court order at the behest of 200 residents there and the San Fernando Valley branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Last week, Alarcon met with police and community leaders in the park to discuss ways to make the area safer. A gang injunction received the most support, Alarcon said.

Since July 1996, police records show there have been 12 incidents of violence at Humphrey Park between the gangs. These range from noninjury shootings, fights, beatings and Aug. 17's shooting death, Alarcon said.

``Although numerous suggestions were offered, with varying degrees of support, the injunction was clearly supported by all those present,'' Alarcon wrote.

Marty Vranicar, supervising attorney for the city attorney's gang unit, said such injunctions can offer relief for a troubled community but also require intensive legwork on the part of law enforcement and legal officials.

``We have to establish that a criminal street gang is creating a nuisance in the area and that they're responsible for that nuisance before we can ask the court for temporary relief,'' Vranicar said.