Greater Security, Scrutiny : Magic Mountain Expands Efforts to Thwart Gangs

Officials of Magic Mountain said Monday that the amusement park has increased its security force and is turning away customers who look like gang members.

The security was increased because of a fight last month among three rival San Fernando Valley gangs. The fight led to six stabbings and 21 arrests.

“We found we’re not immune to it and we’re taking strict steps to combat it before it spreads, to nip it in the bud,” park spokesman Scott Piazza said, referring to gang activity. Piazza said security officers are trying to identify and turn away gang members at the entrance to the park in Valencia, whose full name is Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Security guards observe the size and clothing styles of groups and look for gang insignias, Piazza said. He refused to discuss further measures, saying gang members might disguise themselves to get in.

Cost of Measures Unknown

The heightened scrutiny of customers began Thursday, officials said. Piazza declined to say how many more guards have been hired. He said it is not yet known how much the added security measures will cost. At least some of the guards are off-duty law-enforcement officers.

Other measures include more lighting and strengthening the fence around the 260-acre park. Officers with guard dogs have begun patrolling the park’s perimeter to deter trespassers, Piazza said.

More than 100 people were caught trying to sneak into the park during the all-night “School’s Out” party on June 21 that ended in violence, he said.

Six Stabbed

Five young men and one 16-year-old boy were stabbed in the fighting, which began near a dance pavilion about 2:15 a.m., police said. Four security guards also were injured.

Eight people were arrested on suspicion of assault, attempted robbery and other felonies, and 13 others were arrested on suspicion of trespassing, public drunkenness and other misdemeanors, police said.

Only one person, an 18-year-old San Fernando man suspected of being a gang member, has been charged with a serious crime, assault with a deadly weapon. Most victims would not identify their assailants, police said.

The only other gang-related violence at the park was a stabbing death in August, 1979, Piazza said.