Keeping kids alives

In the Northeast Valley, where a spate of teen homicides has shaken residents, and prosecutors are proposing a gang injunction, Pedro Martinez has looks that can get a young man killed. Rachel Uranga in the Daily News.

Nearly 6 feet tall and stocky, with a shaved head, the 18-year-old has twice in the past month been asked "Where you from?" - often a prelude to a gang shooting.

But on a recent balmy evening at Sylmar Park, Martinez - who has tried hard to avoid gangs - doesn't have to worry about offering the wrong answer.