SPONSORS CHIP IN TO MAKE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION LAND OF THE FREE ADMISSION; VALLEY COLLEGE TO HOST ROCKETS' RED GLARE ON HOLIDAY.

Byline: Sonia Giordani Daily News Staff Writer

When Pierce College announced that it wouldn't host its popular fireworks display this year, Gene Waldman knew the time had come for his own alma mater to shine - red, white and blue.

Los Angeles Valley College will hold a free fireworks display by the same company that lighted the skies for the 1984 and 1986 Olympics, the past three Super Bowl games, the Statue of Liberty celebration in New York, and the 1997 Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.

``A lot of people were disappointed that the Pierce show was canceled this year, but now they will have somewhere to go,'' said Waldman, event chairman for Valley's Fourth of July celebration. ``We hope to start our own tradition.''

For years, the Valley College graduate had tried without success to organize events there - any events - that might give the school a higher profile.

This year, it seemed Waldman could have his chance.

``But obviously, we couldn't use any college funds,'' said Mary Ann Breckell, vice president for administration at Valley College. ``Gene was the catalyst to all this, soliciting donations from our business community to pull this together.''

To pay for the event - and keep it free to the public - Waldman turned to a host of local companies including Keyes Motors and Pacific Pride Bakery, both in Van Nuys. Los Angeles-based Hoffy Hot Dogs donated 1,600 pounds of meat and Hansen's Fresh Juice of Azusa donated 1,600 bottles of juice to be sold through the day to help raise money for activities.

Other donors include Granny Goose potato chips, Los Angeles Party Rents, Pepsi, Horace Heidt Estates and Laura Bell Productions. The Daily News also is a sponsor.

The college opens its gates at 1 p.m., with music, comedians, jugglers, clowns and exotic animal shows through the day.

The day culminates in a fireworks show put on by Pyro Spectaculars at 9 p.m.

``We wanted to do something for the community, something that even a big family can afford,'' Breckell said.

It won't be the first time Valley has hosted an Independence Day fete. In 1982, the college held one sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Symphony, but two years later the event died for lack of money.

Although there are more than a dozen fireworks shows scheduled throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas, those at Valley College and at the San Fernando Recreation Park are the only two to offer free admission and parking.

Although local residents and Valley College officials said they are wary of problems with security and destruction of property that ultimately spoiled the Pierce College event last year, there is hope that proper planning will keep the event running smoothly.

``Everyone likes to have a place to go to safely see fireworks,'' said Marsha Roseman, a Van Nuys resident who lives near the college and is an active member of a local homeowners association. ``We may be a little apprehensive, but we want to stress the positive aspects of this event.''

Waldman, a Van Nuys resident, said he hopes the Fourth of July celebration is just the first in a series of community-based events at Valley College.

``I think all the community college campuses are really good assets,'' he said, ``and they are hungering for events to put on.''

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PHOTO Gene Waldman led efforts to bring a free Fourth of July fireworks show to Valley College, giving his old school a higher profile.

Terri Thuente/Daily News