Stabbings Spark Look at Security

Security measures at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre will not be increased in reaction to stabbings during a concert by Echo & the Bunnymen on Saturday, a spokesman for the company that books acts into the theater said Monday.

“It was a regrettable incident, but it was not due to a lack of security,” said Steve Rennie, executive vice president of Avalon Attractions Inc., exclusive booker for the 15,000-seat amphitheater.

“We do 49 to 50 shows a year, and in 49 out of 50 we don’t have a problem. There is no absolutely way to control the lunatic fringe in our society.”

Three people were stabbed, one seriously, after a shoving incident on a ramp at the amphitheater.

The condition of Manuel Mojica, 27, of San Gabriel was listed as serious when he entered Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo Saturday with a wound in the back that also affected his spleen and kidney. While he remained in the hospital’s intensive-care unit Monday, his condition was upgraded to fair.

Two other victims, 16 and 25, were treated at the hospital and released.

Two suspects in the stabbing--identified as Dennis Paul Gonzales, 19, of Garden Grove and Joseph Martin Gonzales, 20, of Santa Ana--were booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Irvine Police Sgt. Jeff Kermode said.

Police spokesmen could not be reached for comment Monday, nor could officials who manage security for the amphitheater.