FREEDOM, FUN ON 4TH; REGION MARKS NATION'S BIRTHDAY.

Byline: Phillip W. Browne and Yvette Cabrera Staff Writers

Patriotism was in the air and barbecues blazed as residents across Los Angeles celebrated Independence Day on Sunday, ending with colorful bursts of fireworks that painted the evening sky.

The nation's 223rd birthday kicked off in the morning with parades, carnivals and Dixieland music in San Pedro and Lake View Terrace. But most of the fun began in the afternoon as parties across the region got under way, ending with spectacular fireworks shows.

Albert and Denise Vega staked out a spot in the shade at the Sepulveda Recreation Area in Encino, hamburgers and hot dogs cooking on a portable grill.

``This is a great day. It's all about our freedom and loving this country,'' Albert Vega said. ``It's a good day to relax and be with family.''

Glendale hosted an old-fashioned Independence Day picnic with live music, games and a youth parade at Verdugo Park. More than 1,000 people attended a celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

But the Vegas were headed later to the Valley's largest celebration, the Valley of the Stars & Stripes Fireworks Spectacular at California State University, Northridge.

``The fireworks are great,'' Albert Vega said.

At the 21st annual Valley of the Stars and Stripes at CSUN, families camped out at the football stadium to listen to a multicultural mix of bands and to enjoy the traditional fireworks show.

Organized by the CSUN athletics department and the Granada Hills, Chatsworth/Porter Ranch and Northridge chambers of commerce, the festival drew more interest this year than ever before, said Dick Hardman, event chairman.

``The phone has just been ringing off the hook today - I couldn't keep up with it,'' Hardman said. ``I had four lines going and the calls were just constant.''

Hardman speculated that perhaps it was the scheduled performance of 1950s teen idol Pat Boone that may have drawn the larger-than-usual crowd, estimated at about 10,000 people.

Outside the main stage, residents enjoyed carnival rides and game booths and munched on treats from roasted corn to cheese steaks to shaved ice to hamburgers.

On the main stage, residents were treated to a magic show, a South Seas luau performance and bands that rocked the stage with everything from country and rock 'n' roll to the big-band rhythms of the Jericho Big Band featuring Boone.

``It's really great all the different cultural things they have for the kids and adults,'' said North Hollywood resident Deanna Schiess, who came prepared with coolers, snacks and blankets to enjoy the performances.

Schiess attended last year's Fourth of July celebration and was impressed with the relaxed atmosphere.

``It's real comfortable, low stress . . . and it's always a great show,'' said Schiess, who attended the celebration with her husband, 12-year-old son and friends.

And most importantly, the fireworks show is not only impressive but extends for a long period, Schiess said.

``It's definitely fulfilling and it definitely doesn't leave you wanting for more.''

Los Angeles police were out in force late Sunday keeping an eye out for those using fireworks and responding to calls of parties that got out of hand.

``We do this every year, increasing patrols when we know there will be a lot of people celebrating,'' said LAPD Lt. Mark Johnson. ``It's normal to have increased problems on the Fourth, when there's fireworks and drinking.''

The problems started early Sunday when a home in Sylmar went up in flames at 8:57 a.m. - possibly started by fireworks - causing $90,000 in damage and sending two people to the hospital with severe smoke inhalation, officials said.

``The cause of the fire is under investigation, but there are reports that people were using fireworks in the immediate neighborhood,'' Los Angeles city fire spokesman Brian Humphrey said. ``We're looking at that as a possible cause.''

A ``properly functional and well-maintained'' smoke alarm woke a family of four, allowing the two adults and two children to escape as the back of the home in the 12900 block of MacNeil Street went up in flames, Humphrey said.

A 43-year-old woman who escaped feared one of her children was still in the house, so she and a 33-year-old neighbor went back in and suffered smoke inhalation.

``But the children had already escaped. The family didn't have a proper meeting place,'' Humphrey said. ``The incident could have been life-taking instead of life-saving.''

The woman and her neighbor, whose names were not available, were listed in fair condition at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Humphrey said. One of Southern California's major problem areas has been Huntington Beach, where 90 people were arrested for alcohol and minor drug violations last year, authorities said.

But as of 2 p.m. Sunday, the celebrations had been tame, police said.

``We're not expecting any problems, but we will be at maximum enforcement today with about 275 officers on duty,'' Huntington Beach police Lt. Chuck Thomas said. ``There will be parties and festivities all over the city.''

In 1994 and 1995, rowdy celebrations at the beach escalated to rioting as people started fires, overturned cars and threw rocks and bottles at police. Since then police have kept a firm hand on festivities, sending out between 200 and 300 officers each year to deal with revelers.

Independence Day celebrations that were planned in the area included one at Hansen Dam in the Lake View Terrace community, with carnival rides and games and live entertainment; the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular concert with John Mauceri and Peter, Paul and Mary at the Hollywood Bowl; and the La Canada Flintridge ``Let Freedom Ring'' concert dedicated to great American music.

Other scheduled festivities were the Celebrate America outdoor festival and fireworks show at Santa Monica College, the Starlight Bowl Fourth of July celebration featuring the Bill Elliot Swing Orchestra and the Side Street Strutters in Burbank, and the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular at Calabasas High School.

A Fourth of July Spectacular with aerial fireworks show and patriotic music at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch; the Studio City Chamber of Commerce July Fourth celebration featuring live bands, fireworks, and television and sound stage tours at the CBS Studio Center; Los Angeles Valley College's Independence Day '99 celebration featuring Neil Norman and his Cosmic Orchestra with Tim West as well as jugglers, clowns and the Universal Studios Terminator 2 Monster truck were also scheduled.

CAPTION(S):

5 Photos

PHOTO (1) David Aswad, left, his wife, Socorro, and 7-year-old daughter Miranda stake out a shady spot on the lawn while enjoying corn on the cob at Los Angeles Valley College's Independence Day '99 celebration Sunday.

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach/Daily News

(2) Magician Jerry Hart performs a card trick at CSUN's celebration.

Phil McCarten/Daily News

(3) A group of boys get into the patriotic spirit Sunday at Glendale's old-fashioned Independence Day picnic featuring live music, games and a youth parade.

David R. Crane/Daily News

(4) Joshua Olona, 21 months old, sits back with his free hot dog at the Glendale picnic at Verdugo Park.

David R. Crane/Daily News

(5) Garianna Geiselman, 2, gets a free ride from her mom at a community parade in Westlake Village.

Eric Grigorian/Special to the Daily News