Reseda Rink Sees No Gangs, No Trouble, Few Skaters

A week after street-gang activity erupted at a Reseda roller rink, its popular Thursday-night skating party attracted police, security guards, camera crews and even about 15 Guardian Angels--but few skaters and apparently no gang members.

The Los Angeles Police Department, whose unmarked car cruised the area, reported no incidents at the Sherman Square Roller Rink.

And, although the rink suffered a significant drop in its usual business, manager Charles Siegmund said the regulars will return.

“A few people showed up and didn’t want to get involved with the media,� Siegmund said. “But I think they’ll be back. . . . They really applaud this move, the regular skaters, and they’re spreading the word.�

Low Turnout of Patrons

Security and the press outnumbered Siegmund’s customers in the first hour after the rink opened at 8:30 p.m. By the end of the night, the rink held fewer than half the expected 500 skaters, Siegmund said.

A week ago Friday morning, gang problems that began in early summer boiled over in the parking lot outside the rink shortly after midnight when a gang fight led to a San Diego Freeway car chase and shooting in which three people were wounded, police said.

No arrests have been made in the case because witnesses have told police conflicting stories or have been uncooperative, Detective Bill Humphry said Friday.

On previous Thursdays, Siegmund granted admission to anyone 18 and older who was willing to pay the $5 admission. This Thursday, Siegmund asked his patrons to fill out membership application forms. Patrons unknown to him were turned away and told to return the forms, which Siegmund said he will review with help from the police.

10 Turned Away

He turned away about 10 customers, and about 10 more left after objecting to the forms, he said.

Siegmund speculated that some skaters shied away from the rink because of last week’s gang problems and the ensuing publicity. He was optimistic, though, that his “membership night� will bring those customers back.

Said skater Cecilia Rico, 32, of Van Nuys, “I think it’s a good idea to let in those who are here to skate and keep the others out.�

“For me, it means I can go and have a good time and not worry about people coming in and fighting,� said Lee Copes, 35, of Reseda.