Gangs losing deadly grip
San Fernando Valley gang homicides fell nearly 40 percent in 2007 to 29, down from 48 the year before, the Los Angeles Police Department reported. Overall gang crime was down about 5 percent in the Valley and around 4percent citywide. Citywide, gang homicides fell to 216 from 294 in 2006, a 26.5 percent decline, the LAPD reported. Aggravated assaults citywide and in the Valley fell by about 9percent. But gang-member attacks on police officers jumped from 16 to 23 in the Valley, a 44percent increase. In contrast, gang attacks on officers fell citywide to 89 from 91, the LAPD said.