Slain Girl’s Family, Neighbors Join in Anti-Gang Rally : Pacoima: The gathering at the youth club where Tiffany Dozier died in a drive-by shooting cheers news of two arrests.

Relatives and neighbors of Tiffany Dozier, a 12-year-old Pacoima girl killed by gang gunfire last week, rallied against gang violence Tuesday at the youth club where she was slain and cheered news that Los Angeles police had arrested two suspects in the case.

Tremayne Stevenson, 19, and a 17-year-old youth whose name was not released, were arrested on suspicion of murder Monday night, Deputy Chief Mark A. Kroeker announced to more than 300 people gathered in a gym at the Boys & Girls Club in Pacoima.

The pair--both from North Hollywood--were found driving a car fitting the description of one used in last Saturday’s drive-by shooting, which took place in front of the club after a dance ended, police said. Investigators are seeking at least one more suspect in the killing, police said.

“We have a war going on and that is unacceptable,” Kroeker said of the violence. He asked northeast San Fernando Valley residents to unite against gangs and to press city leaders for more police officers.

The area’s latest gang victim, a 14-year-old Pacoima girl, was wounded twice in the chest in a drive-by shooting Monday night as she walked in the 13000 block of Van Nuys Boulevard, less than a mile from the youth club, police said. The girl, whose name was not released, was expected to recover.

Of the Valley’s 52 gang killings in 1992--an all-time high--17 were in the Foothill area, which includes Pacoima, San Fernando and surrounding communities, Kroeker said. Only 1,500 Los Angeles police officers work in the Valley, one for every 1,000 people, he said.

At Tuesday’s rally, Boys & Girls Club directors called for increased policing, but also said parents and residents must take responsibility for keeping their community crime-free.

Some children have to walk through turf claimed by 23 gangs to reach the club, said Manuel Velasquez, a Youth Gang Services worker and former club member. Rather than keep youths away from the club--which offers tutoring, computers, sports and other activities--parents should get involved in their neighborhood and make efforts to ensure their children’s safety, he said.

Many parents shook their heads sadly and gathered around Tiffany’s family. Some cried. Tiffany’s 16-year-old cousin, Smee Chapron, was so heartbroken she collapsed and had to be carried out by family members.

“They grew up together,” said Elaine Smith, cousin to both Smee and Tiffany. “She had a big picture of Tiffany blown up this morning.” Other parents were just scared. They suggested that police step up patrols when youths leave club events, and several said they were hesitant about letting teen-agers out at night.

Ann Kelly of Pacoima said she let her daughter, Sylvia, a ninth-grader, go to the dance Saturday because the club has a good reputation. Will she let her go to the next dance?

“I can’t make her a prisoner in her own home,” Kelly said, as Sylvia smiled. “I’ll probably come and volunteer as a supervisor at the dance, though.”

LeRoy Chase, executive director of the club, invited parents, ministers and residents to meet for brainstorming sessions on the violence. The club also started the Tiffany Dozier Educational and Leadership Fund to support future youth programs, he said.

The Los Angeles City Council approved a $25,000 reward Tuesday for anyone who submits information leading to the arrest of Tiffany’s killers, and the County Board of Supervisors on Monday announced a reward of $10,000.

Family members said Tiffany’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church at 11006 Norris Ave. in Pacoima.