THE INNOCENT PAY KILLERS MOCK FAMILY'S PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ARMED GANGSTERS.

Byline: Phillip W. Browne and Dana Bartholomew Staff Writers

SYLMAR - Knowing the dangers of living in the northeast San Fernando Valley, Cecilia Cortez took precautions to ensure that her son's 16th birthday party would be safe.

No alcohol was served. Plenty of adults served as chaperons, and security guards patted down guests for weapons at the door.

But despite the family's efforts, at least a half-dozen suspected gang members forced their way into the Saturday night festivities and started a fight that ended in the shooting deaths of two innocent partygoers.

On Monday, authorities said the weekend slayings of Antonio Vasquez, 27, of Panorama City, and Hector Villareal, 25, of Lake View Terrace are signs of escalating violence by gangs - as, they believe, was the fatal shooting of California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Steiner that an aspiring teenage gang member is suspected of committing last month. Gangs have become more fearless and brazen in their efforts to achieve notoriety.

``The kids coming out of Juvenile Hall now say this is going to be one of the worst summers ever,'' said Deputy Probation Officer Howard Gold, who works exclusively with juvenile gang members on probation.

``They're going to want to make a reputation for themselves. They don't care who they shoot, when they shoot or where they shoot.

``They have a very romantic view of being a gangster.''

Although gang activity traditionally increases in the summer, several Valley neighborhoods already are struggling with skyrocketing homicide rates.

Homicides in the Foothill Division have increased 60 percent so far this year, compared with the same period of 2003, while homicides in the Van Nuys Division have soared 200 percent.

Citywide, homicides are up 5.1 percent, and gang-related killings are up 11.4 percent.

With Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton setting a goal of reducing homicides by 20 percent, officers say they're doing what they can to put a lid on street gangs.

``We're making it known we're out there. We're hitting the streets hard,'' said Detective Dave Escoto, who is assigned to the Foothill Division's anti-gang unit.

``We're doing everything legal, ethical and moral to put these guys in jail.''

Cmdr. Valentino Paniccia, the Valley Bureau's second in command, said he is proud that the Valley's violent crime is down 19.4 percent, but dismayed at the hold that street gangs have on local neighborhoods.

``It's sad that a small group of people don't pay attention to what the rest of the community wants,'' Paniccia said. ``If we had double the officers, crime would be down much more.

``But I have to say we're doing a heck of a good job with what we have.''

On Monday, Gregorio Cortez and his housemate, Chris Lara, recalled how they had passed out about 1,000 fliers at Sylmar and Kennedy High schools, hoping to make Gregorio's birthday party memorable. More than 100 guests came and, after paying a $3 admission charge, mingled inside the Cortez house and on the spacious patio outside.

Shortly before midnight, six young men who police believe were gang members arrived and pushed past the guards who were patting down guests for weapons.

They went inside and began arguing with other guests, witnesses told police. Vasquez and Villareal were shot when they tried to break up the fight.

``It was a party for a high school kid having a birthday. There were no gangsters there in the beginning. There were a lot of people, but it was peaceful, ... just having a good time. And at the end two innocent people were killed,'' said Detective Frank Bishop.

Gregorio was still trying to make sense of the violence that devastated what was supposed to be the celebration of his 16th birthday.

``I wasn't really expecting this. I was expecting a good time,'' Gregorio said.

Staff Writer Ryan Oliver contributed to this report.

Phillip W. Browne, [phone]

phillip.browne(at)dailynews.com

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SOURCE: LAPD